gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē How to pronounce gutsy (audio)
gutsier; gutsiest
Synonyms of gutsy
1
: marked by courage, pluck, or determination
a gutsy little fighter
a gutsy decision
2
a
: expressing or characterized by basic physical senses or passions
gutsy macho talk
gutsy country blues
b
: rough or plain in style : not bland or sophisticated
a gutsy soup
a rich gutsy wine
gutsily
ˈgət-sə-lē How to pronounce gutsy (audio)
adverb
gutsiness noun

Synonyms of gutsy

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Examples of gutsy in a Sentence

That was a very gutsy decision. a gutsy coach willing to let her team improvise on the court
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The gutsy play was one of four fourth-down conversions Boise State made Saturday, also moving the sticks on fourth-and-3, -2, and -1 throughout the game. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026 Cigarette officially launched the Top Gun line in ’86, unveiling a 38-footer with its signature razor-sharp hull and a pair of gutsy V-8s that could push the yacht to over 50 knots (roughly 58 mph), depending on the specific engines. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Part of that proof came from a gutsy call that the Hurricane Center forecasters made last year during Hurricane Melissa. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 The Oakland singer-songwriter entered the R&B fray in 2015 as a raw, gutsy artist who bravely wore her heart on her sleeve. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gutsy

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gutsy was circa 1893

Rhymes for gutsy

See All Rhymes for gutsy

Browse Nearby Words

gutstring
gutsy
gutt
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Cite this Entry

“Gutsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gutsy. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gutsy

adjective
ˈgət-sē How to pronounce gutsy (audio)
gutsier; gutsiest
: aggressively tough : courageous
a gutsy decision
a gutsy hockey player
gutsiness noun
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