1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spice
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses
theatergoers have long delighted in the pungency and wit of the play's dialogue
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungency
The key is to saute the kimchi to concentrate its pungency — the more fermented the kimchi, the better.
—
Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
One of those is to impart bite: Sour-style cocktails need acid, and most of the Western world defaults to citrus thanks to its affordability, ample pungency, and mild flavor.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
Not long ago, the residents of Gowanus, in Brooklyn, began to notice that the smell of their canal, known for its unpleasant odor since the Gilded Age, had reached a new level of pungency.
—Jake Offenhartz, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024
The bread’s soft, moist textures contrast with the tiny crunches of cacao nibs, ending with perfect pungency from black cardamom.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
One of those is to impart bite: Sour-style cocktails need acid, and most of the Western world defaults to citrus thanks to its affordability, ample pungency, and mild flavor.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
Not long ago, the residents of Gowanus, in Brooklyn, began to notice that the smell of their canal, known for its unpleasant odor since the Gilded Age, had reached a new level of pungency.
—Jake Offenhartz, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024
The bread’s soft, moist textures contrast with the tiny crunches of cacao nibs, ending with perfect pungency from black cardamom.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Perhaps the bitterness refers to the alimony check?—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The Phillies have tasted enough bitterness in previous Octobers to know that.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Belmont Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cheesecake Pumpkin spice fans will want to grab this seasonal dessert.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Winter Spiced Cranberry takes the classic lemon-lime flavor for which Sprite is known and loved and adds a touch of warming spices along with a just a hint of zingy cranberry flavor.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There will be samples of brews and bites, while supplies last, live music by BETAMAXX and opportunity drawings.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Served with a mound of white rice, the dish delivers steak, vegetables and tangy sauce all in one bite.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The most notable part of this gag was not the joke itself, a standard late-night quip delivered with appropriate piquancy.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The key to its flavor is a balance of sweet, spice, piquancy and heat, which creates a balanced and addictive bite.—
Lynda Balslev,
The Mercury News,
17 June 2024
Noun
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Audi — never one to truly push hard into the proper luxury coupe market, but always working around its edges — has bowed out of the two-door market entirely.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Honey helps to cut some of the tang and make the dish well balanced.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Add fresh or dried (unsweetened) cranberries to oatmeal, trail mix, or roasted vegetable dishes for a pop of color and tang that livens up any fall plate.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There’s lingering minerality in the post-palate with a bright burst of acidity in the finish.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
7 Oct. 2025
-
According to the report, ocean acidification – where the water's pH, a measure of its acidity or alkalinity, is lowered due to excess carbon dioxide - is the newest boundary broken and for the first time has reached dangerous levels.—
ABC Climate Unit,
ABC News,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Whisk together oil, maple syrup, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest in a medium bowl.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Take the pan off the heat and add the butter, lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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