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 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
But Deborah’s bitterness is eclipsing everything.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
-
The bitterness mellows beautifully and clings to pasta like it was meant to.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Familiar drinks like lattes might contain special spices or honey; at Arwa, lattes features the outline of a camel stenciled in spices.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
Doro Wat, a traditional Ethiopian chicken stew, slow cooked with berbere spices, onions, and served with injera.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The third Ember Group restaurant, scheduled to open June 1, is Imoto, another small plate spot that specializes in sushi and other Asian bites.—
Connie Ogle
Updated May 8,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
-
This free Saturday series offers full-service food and drink, with beer, cider, cocktails and local bites on site.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
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 outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship moored off the western coast of Africa is gripping a world primed by recent painful experience to be on edge for the next Covid-19-like event.—
Helen Branswell,
STAT,
7 May 2026
-
But there’s a significant difference in setting the edge on the college level and doing it in the NFL, where the offensive tackles and tight ends are usually bigger and stronger.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Feta adds a tang to the sweetness of honeydew melon.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
5 May 2026
-
Key lime juice and zest infuse the cake with zippy flavor, and a Key lime glaze adds tang.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Avoid using vinegar and other acidic cleaners to clean glass doors in showers with natural stone because the acidity can etch or damage the finish.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
-
Get the azaleas off to a good start by having soil acidity tested, and adjusting the pH if needed, following test recommendations.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Here, ripe slices are layered over a buttery, flaky crust with garlic, grated cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, then baked until the edges are deeply golden and the tomatoes are soft and caramelized.—
Andy Baraghani,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
6 May 2026
-
In a large bowl whisk together lime zest,lime juice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sugar (if using), sesame seeds, and 1 tsp.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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