gut check

noun

: a test or assessment of courage, character, or determination

Examples of gut check in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That, granted, was a brief if treacherous gut check, giving way to a re-expansion of valuations and a march to new highs through 2019 right up until Covid struck. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Grassroots gut check Republican nominee for governor Rick Jackson speaks at the first rally of his general election campaign at Meadows at Mossy Creek in Cleveland last month. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

This is another gut check of how far anti-incumbent sentiment is spreading in safely Democratic seats; Smith went on Breaking Points last month to defend himself and accuse Israel critics of being abusive. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026

That gut check works for most decisions. — Vinay Kuruvila, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gut check

• aztec
• breakneck
• codec
• exec
• mixtec
• paycheck
• pinchbeck
• recheck
• redneck
• toltec
• beck
• breck