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Showing results for gumption. Search instead for gumptio.
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

I’ve always been a firm believer in faking it until you make it to such an extreme degree that your gumption becomes undeniable.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

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

Shelley is overeager and desperate; he just lacks Jimmy’s/Saul’s imagination and gumption.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2025

If Quincy had the gumption to go to work, why was I so scaredy that I had to wear my coat?

From "Girls Like Us" by Gail Giles