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 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
After five years, the pungency of Greek oregano wanes but the plant can easily be propagated from shoot tip cuttings.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
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
After five years, the pungency of Greek oregano wanes but the plant can easily be propagated from shoot tip cuttings.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
The subtle bitterness is complemented with creamy cheese and a mouth-puckering lemon dressing.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
6 Mar. 2026
-
There is no apparent bitterness on Ward’s part over being parked in Triple-A for so long, watching so many of his teammates get promoted.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This beloved Microplane zester is made from stainless steel and designed with a unique tooth set that grates hard spices, citrus, cheeses, and more as smooth as butter.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Shrubs like Korean spice viburnum, should not be pruned until they're done blooming.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The four-piece set—a loveseat, two chairs, and a matching table—comfortably seats up to four, providing a perfect spot for small bites and drinks.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Wisconsin Watch is a member of the Gigafact program, newsrooms across the US that deliver bite-sized fact checks of trending claims.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The man whom Navarro likes to call the Boss seems to value insincere, or bought, obeisance—the flapping and fussing of a maître d’—more than heartfelt fandom, which lacks the piquancy of humiliation.—
Ian Parker,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
-
And a jicama salad is my personal favorite, balancing heat in piquancy and chill in temperature.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The texture is a bit sticky, though blends out with ease for soft edges and a natural finish.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Both flavors balance a sweet heat with the brand's classic mustard tang.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
-
While each state imparts a different tang to a dish that may be common to all of South India, there are also a bevy of signature dishes unique to each state, and culinary approaches that are distinct to a state.—
Kalpana Mohan,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Louis Latour’s 2024 Chassagne Montrachet has aromas of honeycomb, pineapple, and white flowers with bright acidity and flavors of vanilla, pear, and marzipan.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
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Even with its bright look, scientists compare the water’s acidity to everyday liquids like vinegar or orange juice.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
His stunning 2023 Bourgogne Blanc has aromas of white flowers, white pear, and lemon zest.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Our Strawberry-Lemonade Cupcakes starts with a box of white cake mix, but a touch of lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla transform your mix into a bright cupcake that tastes completely homemade.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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