gunk
7 synonyms for gunk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Any sticky, dirty, or unidentifiable substance.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gunk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gunk up
sticky gunk
layer of gunk
Casual and informal — used in everyday speech, not technical writing.
Etymology
Originally from Gunk, a trademarked name for a liquid soap product, likely blending "grime" and "funk".
Full origin of gunk →Frequently asked questions
What does “gunk” mean?
The word “gunk” means any sticky, dirty, or unidentifiable substance. In plain terms, a vague, informal word for grime or a messy, sticky substance.
How do you pronounce “gunk”?
“Gunk” is pronounced guhngk (/ɡʌŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “gunk” in a sentence?
Here is “gunk” used in a sentence: “There was a layer of gunk stuck to the bottom of the pan.”
What part of speech is “gunk”?
Depending on how it is used, “gunk” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “gunk” have?
“Gunk” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any sticky, dirty, or unidentifiable substance.
