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
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
Rich, intense, and kissed with the signature pungency of blue cheese, there is nothing quite like a cut of dry-aged beef.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 30 July 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
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
Rich, intense, and kissed with the signature pungency of blue cheese, there is nothing quite like a cut of dry-aged beef.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 30 July 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
-
In total, Klan dues paying membership in its peak year of 1925 was between four and five million, not counting the sugar and spice women’s auxiliary groups.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
15 Aug. 2025
-
My pimento cheese sandwich was a delicious mix of the traditional tangy cheese, mayonnaise and red pepper with just a hint of sweet and spice from the hot honey.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There's a full beer and cocktail menu along with snacks and bites.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Choose cloth, leather, rubber or anything thick that will protect you from accidental bites, says Chuang.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 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 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
Noun
-
The square stones have rounded edges to prevent scratching, and there’s no unpleasant metallic taste.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The Diamondbacks were given a slight edge on betting lines to win more games than the Padres.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Tastes of dark chocolate, treacle, soy, and a salty tang that keeps your palate guessing with each sip.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
The final dish is finished with fresh herbs for brightness and more peppers for that unmistakable tang.—
Mary Claire Britton,
Southern Living,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Yet on the table in front of us were three vials of blue liquid with a pH of 4—roughly the acidity of coffee or orange juice.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The dijon mustard sauce is also a limited edition item, and PEOPLE recommends using a generous amount of it as its acidity cuts through the rich flavor of the fried chicken.—
Logan Holland,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Swap plain butter for compound butter loaded with herbs, chili flakes, garlic, lemon zest, or grated cheese to upgrade your corn and your bread in one move.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 2025
-
In a bowl, combine the coarse salt, reduced wine, lemon zest, and herbs.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Jacinto also brings easygoing warmth and a dash of poignancy to his role as the poster-boy fiancé.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Aug. 2025
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Billy Joel's documentary digs deep into past with poignancy – but he's 'not finished yet' Culture Club film delves into history filled with drama, Boy George, love and drugs ‘Walk of Fame’ The most compelling track on an album full of soaring choruses now has an equally absorbing video.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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