PUNGENCY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

pungency

noun

ˈpən-jən(t)-sē

Definition of pungency

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pungency Wasabi is known for its nasal-clearing pungency, exceeding that of any other condiment. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026 The Scherzo married sweetness and pungency. — Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Mar. 2026 Key Takeaways Capsaicin, the bioactive compound that gives chili peppers their pungency, can impact your gastrointestinal system and digestion. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for pungency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency

Noun

Instead, that generation’s gesture seems to be stymied or to miss its target and end in bitterness—which is precisely what gives these artists’ work at its best a poignancy on the other side of its aggression and humor.

— Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026
This copper beauty serves up bold floral and citrus aromas, plus the signature IPA bitterness.

— Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

Sour Cream Cranberry Muffins Brown sugar, pecans and pumpkin pie spice create both a filling and topping for these muffins.

— Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 6 Sep. 2026
The five-hour recipe layers flavor at every step, from a dry rub spiked with za’atar and Chinese five-spice to cherry wood smoke, apple juice and honey, and a barbecue sauce with sriracha and rice wine vinegar.

— Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of spice

Noun

Summer squash stuffed pasta at BoccaLupo House-made, delicate parcels of pasta are stuffed with tender summer squash, tasting nostalgically like a Southern squash casserole, all wrapped into a single bite.

— Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Breakker needs a win here to go back to the days in which he was considered the man with the loudest bark and the biggest bite.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of bite

Noun

Those split levels of child and adult consciousness give the film a certain piquancy, a little gap where drama can spark in a story where almost nothing really happens except a kid takes a plane ride, or several plane rides, with his mom.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026

Definition of piquancy

Noun

The Eagles were not as dominant in 2025, partly due to the regression of the depth in their secondary and the injuries sustained at edge rusher.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
The facilities would include what’s known as an edge computing data center, which typically is much smaller than traditional data centers and which Global Stack says would require lower utility use and no municipal water connection.

— Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

Balk said that drinking water in the morning can reduce stomach pain that’s later caused by coffee’s acidity.

— Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2026
The ribs pick up smoke during the first part of the cook, sweetness while they’re wrapped in butcher paper and heat and acidity only toward the end, when the sauce is brushed on twice to create a sticky glaze.

— Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of acidity

Browse Nearby Words

pundits

pungency

pungent

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Style

“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pungency

noun

Example Sentences

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