1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs
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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
-
The examples of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, where life after revolution is replete with bitterness and recrimination, are profoundly discouraging.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Blessed with tender skins and jammy interiors, fresh figs can offset the tang of tomatoes and bitterness of salad greens.—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some attendees quietly voiced the opinion that Seriesly needs to attract more global streamers, more local networks and more international content distributors who can add spice to the screenings line up – something the nascent event will surely explore for 2026.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Yet the build-up, and legacy of the conflict, was a deadly serious affair for a place more commonly known for its spices than its political struggles.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The bite landed on Dottie's wattle, the fleshy red tissue hanging from a chicken's beak that helps regulate body temperature.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The idea is to create a big, rich cheeseburger that is indulgent in every bite.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 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
-
Parsons has been one of the better edge rushers in the league, posting double-digit sacks in each of his first four seasons in the NFL.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Rooms pair comfort with modern design and a hint of cool-kid edge, featuring warm wood bedframes, terrazzo slabs, and leather seating.—
Emily Wilson,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The title may have the tang of a prog-rock album, but the book is witty, minutely detailed, and braced by common sense—a welcome gift in an often obsessive environment.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Deal Island Devil Cream Cake is a moist and lightly chocolatey cake, with a slight tang from buttermilk.—
Sheri Castle,
Southern Living,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The ceviches arrive with balanced acidity, while the extensive pisco program features classic and house variations.—
Katharina Kotrba,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Among the list of ingredients, cremini mushrooms add an earthiness, dry red wine deepens flavor and adds a touch of acidity, Worcestershire sauce boosts the meaty and savory taste, and Dijon mustard adds a touch of tanginess.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Garten’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp recipe uses McIntosh or Macoun apples, combined with citrus juice and zest.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Sprinkle with graham cracker mixture and garnish with additional lime zest, if desired.—
Mary Claire Britton,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
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