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
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
Leaving the pulp and skin in place give black peppercorns their pungency as opposed to white pepper, whose surrounding pulp and skins have been removed, imparting a milder flavor to this spice.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for 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
Leaving the pulp and skin in place give black peppercorns their pungency as opposed to white pepper, whose surrounding pulp and skins have been removed, imparting a milder flavor to this spice.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
The blending of Mateo's alone already had me on its side, and then the punch of flavor without any lingering spice sold me.—
Katherine Polcari,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
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This means that each botanical is macerated in the spirit for a different length of time and at a specific ABV, which Gabriel believes allows the flavor of the particular spice, herb, or flower to truly shine through.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
There’s also an on-site bar/lounge serving wine, cocktails, and light bites, and a coffee shop and cafe located next door in the Salish Visitors Center.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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This potential trilogy is off to a solid — if not spectacular — start, though more bite would have been welcome.—
Mark Meszoros,
Boston Herald,
19 June 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
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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 group assembled in Romare Bearden Park shortly after 6 p.m., just barely outnumbering a dozen city police officers stationed in clusters around the area’s edge.—
Lila Hempel-Edgers,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 2025
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To get started, consider the following first steps: • Deploy in geographically diverse edge and core regions to avoid over-concentration.—
Mark Mahle,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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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
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Orange, grapefruit, or pineapple juice can provide a similar tang, but with a bit more sweetness.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
The fruity notes were a perfect foil for the fresh, crunchy vegetables and savory cod, with the wine’s texture and acidity providing a refreshing finish to each bite.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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Widespread in the Trapani region as well as throughout Agrigento and Palermo, Grillo is an aromatic white that has terrific acidity and excellent structure.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
Scents of tropical flowers, pomelo, bergamot, citrus zest, and hints of lychee complement tasting notes of fresh pineapple, white flower, and subtle basil and lemongrass.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
17 June 2025
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The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of pipe tobacco, orange zest, and baking spices.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
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The immediacy of these relations and connections contributes warmth and poignancy, but not necessarily deep insight into the man that Kaufman actually became.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
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The movie got rave reviews at Sundance for its dark humor, poignancy, and the confidence of its debut filmmaker; Victor is certainly one to watch.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Time,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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