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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungency
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
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
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
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
As was the case then, an inequitable solution now will further widen social and economic divisions and foment bitterness in this country.—
Robert Hormats,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
-
For example, maror, or bitter herbs, represent the bitterness of slavery.—
Lucia Cheng,
Des Moines Register,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The brand’s Añejo, served with traditional red mole and corn tortillas, has similar hazelnut notes, alongside candied orange and spices.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Instead, think high-protein and filling breakfast filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, healthy fats, along with herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric (all of which are anti-inflammatory).—
Siya Bhambwani,
Vogue,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Expect fiery cocktails and spicy bites — plus a few surprise DJ sets for a daytime experience that's as much about the vibe as the drink in your hand.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
But households are already feeling the bite.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
10 Apr. 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 company, Zhan expects, will be more efficient than other cutting-edge labs due to his experience building Gemini, which is Google’s artificial intelligence model.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In men’s sports, fandom comes with much more of an edge.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While vinegar pies may sound daunting, this apple cider vinegar pie is bursting with tang and sweetness.—
Abby Fribush,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The sausage adds a bit of heat, while the peppers and pan sauce bring a light tang that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.—
Evan Moore
April 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To successfully plant moss, prepare the soil properly, check for acidity, and diligently water the moss for the first few weeks until it is established.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Never use vinegar or citrus on marble or natural stone, as the acidity can damage the surface's finish.—
Aliyah Rodriguez,
The Spruce,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This pie has a refreshingly tart lemon zest balanced by a warm, crunchy, double crust.—
Abby Fribush,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Anna reactivates her zest for cooking when Matteo’s father unexpectedly must drop out of cooking the final meal at the local summer festival, with Anna moving to prepare a nontraditional pot of shrimp and grits to the unexpected glee of those who’re tasting it.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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