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pungency

noun

pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
: the quality or state of being pungent

Examples of pungency in a Sentence

the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs theatergoers have long delighted in the pungency and wit of the play's dialogue
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The hard edges and pungency of a relatively cheap, unaged spirit were far less visible in the Viriato samples. Christopher Null, Wired News, 11 Nov. 2025 This historic two-game parlay of pungency followed up a classic, a double-overtime loss to Oregon, back when Franklin’s inability to beat high-ranking opponents was his biggest problem. Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 July 2025 Paneer just has this wonderful, gentle expression of milky dairy richness, but without much pungency to it. Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pungency

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pungency was in 1649

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pungency. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

pungency

noun
pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
: the quality or state of being pungent

Medical Definition

pungency

noun
pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
plural pungencies
: the quality or state of being pungent

More from Merriam-Webster on pungency

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