plucky
Showing scrappy courage
Plucky describes someone who shows courage and determination despite being at a disadvantage or facing difficult odds.
It suggests spirited resilience rather than raw bravery—the scrappy underdog who keeps fighting: The plucky little team made it to the finals.
The word carries affection for its subject, often applied to those who punch above their weight.
Showing bravery under threat
- valiantCourageously determined
- heroicExceptionally brave and noble
- intrepidResolutely without fear
- fearlessLacking any apprehension
gallant · dauntless · undaunted · stouthearted · lionhearted · doughty · bold · audacious
Stubbornly determined to continue
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- perseveringMaintaining effort despite difficulty
unyielding · dogged · gritty · unflagging · unwavering · indomitable · scrappy · stubborn
Aggressively spirited despite odds
- defiantOpenly resisting control
- fightingEngaging in physical conflict
- upstartArrogant recent success
- resilientAble to recover quickly
overcoming · unlikely · outmatched · outgunned · never-say-die · comeback · Cinderella · dark-horse
courageous
Showing bravery under threat
fearless · gallant · dauntless · undaunted · stouthearted · lionhearted · doughty · bold · audacious · daring
tenacious
Stubbornly determined to continue
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
persevering · unyielding · dogged · gritty · unflagging · unwavering · indomitable · scrappy · stubborn · relentless
scrappy
Aggressively spirited despite odds
resilient · overcoming · unlikely · outmatched · outgunned · never-say-die · comeback · Cinderella · dark-horse · David-and-Goliath
spunky
Courageous and lively
- feistyAggressively spirited
- livelyAnimated and energetic
- vivaciousAttractively energetic and enthusiastic
energetic · animated · perky · peppy · sprightly · buoyant · exuberant · ebullient · chipper · jaunty
- couragebravery, resilience, fearlessness, boldness, courage
- tenacitydetermined, persistence, persistent, perseverance, determination
- upbeatcheerful, lighthearted, peppy, lively, animated
- boldbold, brave, daring, fearless, courageous
- tough traitstough, resilient, fearless, brave, courageous
- childlike innocenceinnocence, wonder, curiosity, playfulness, imagination
pluckycowardly
Without bravery or nerve
timid · spineless · fainthearted · craven · gutless
pluckyspiritless
Lacking energy or enthusiasm
dispirited · defeatist · feeble · weak · listless
- pluck upSummon inner resolve
- pluck up one's courageForce yourself to be bold