gumption

noun

ˈgəm(p)-shən How to pronounce gumption (audio)
Definition of gumptionnext
chiefly dialect
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters the company needs a new leader with the gumption and know-how that comes from experience

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of gumption As Riese observed in an excellent round-up from Autostraddle, this magazine was best known for a certain gumption. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026 The Invest in Kids program was allowed to sunset at the end of 2023 because our legislators did not even have the gumption to bring the issue to the floor. — Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 Edward Montoya plays Fingal as an idealistic young writer, fresh out of Harvard, with little practical experience but a lot of ability and gumption. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 Clearly, the interior designer known as Dabito—Dab, for short—does not lack for gumption. — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gumption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gumption
  1. prudence
  2. wisdom
  3. sense
  4. wit
Noun
  • Notably, Marvell built some prudence into that spending guide, assuming the current rate of capex growth will moderate over the forecast period and move closer to historical levels in the out-years.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
  • That might well be a sign of prudence on the part of fashion brands, which have been trying to boost full-price sales by not over-ordering inventory.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • But elevating the whims of progressive activists and government bureaucrats above the wisdom of the marketplace has proven a costly mistake and undermined consumer choice.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Babcock said Frederik Andersen, who is on long-term injury reserve with a knee injury and not expected to be available until at least December, has been sharing wisdom with Levi on handling the pressures of NHL life.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • In a picture shared in the post taken on Fall Picture Day, Cagle said Burfield had relaxed smile and a sense of ease.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Still The Hairy Ape is, in one sense, a long, furious solo — a man pounding his head against a piano while accompanied by the orchestra — and Beavers ably carries its weight through to the finale.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • One of them was Maggie Bieritz, one of those people who radiates joy and wit.
    — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of wit

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gummy
gumption
gums
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Cite this Entry

“Gumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gumption. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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