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
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
-
Furthermore, some data suggests that the spice's rare toxicity may be linked to aberrant immune responses to curcumin, which may lead immune cells to attack the liver.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 July 2025
-
My favorite is the ham and Gouda sandwich, but my husband’s shawarma burger, coated with Middle Eastern spices, was also delicious.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Rabies is found in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted primarily through a bite.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
-
Add in a rotating selection of oysters, raw bar towers, and one of the city’s most fun bites: Siberian caviar and parmesan custard served in a salted waffle cone.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
13 July 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
-
Michigan clearly saw Meadows as one of the top edge prospects in the class and prioritized him accordingly.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
-
At the far edge of the American west, a brash adolescent came of age in a coastal community where the establishment prided itself on being antiestablishment.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
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
-
There’s a light tang in the sauce, great flavor in the cheese and a harmony among ingredients that shows real intention behind the food.—
Tristan Graziano,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Avocado adds richness, cucumbers add crunch, and sweet, in-season tomatoes add a pop of bright acidity.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
7 July 2025
-
In the last couple of decades, the region has proven that international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir flourish here, particularly at higher elevations where cool nights preserve acidity and aromatics.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
The rosé notes are bright, and include summer melon and citrus zest, while the label features ribbony stripes bearing the Stella McCartney logo in a palette of red, white and rose.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
10 July 2025
-
The finish is long, with layered complexity and lingering notes of oak spice and citrus zest.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
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
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What lends a special poignancy to the story are the chapters narrated by Paige, reflecting deep regret for her life’s mistakes.—
Sarah Lyall,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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