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Showing results for gumption. Search instead for gumpti.
Definitions

gumption

[guhmp-shuhn] / ˈgʌmp ʃən /
NOUN
courage; initiative; shrewdness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acumen cleverness courage good sense initiative resourcefulness savvy shrewdness
STRONG
ability astuteness discernment enterprise get-up-and-go industry judgment perspicaciousness perspicacity sagaciousness sagacity sense spirit wisdom wit
WEAK
common sense horse sense
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance stupidity
STRONG
idleness inanity indolence unemployment
WEAK
cowardice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That takes creativity, intelligence and gumption, and I’m sure your grandfather has those in spades.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

With a few tools and a little gumption, anyone could learn to maintain and repair the machinery of daily life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Throughout her life, Irawati would display this streak of gumption combined with endless empathy, especially for the women she encountered.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2025

Lee however remained undeterred by her illness and summoned the gumption and self-confidence to return to the mat after a brief hiatus, brushing aside the narrowly construed frameworks of athleticism.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024

But, surely, agreeing to move to Montana, to Uncle Chester’s claim, showed some familial gumption.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson