pungency

noun

ˈpən-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
Definition of pungencynext
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

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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
  1. bitterness
  2. spice
  3. bite
  4. piquancy
  5. edge
  6. tang
  7. acidity
  8. zest
Noun
  • Little united the Syrian rebels during the country’s civil war from 2011 to 2024 outside of their hatred of Assad, and Damascus has sought to cultivate this memory of bitterness to keep the country’s disparate groups together.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The tea supplies tannins and bitterness while maple and orange recreate that familiar balance of sweet, bitter and citrus.
    — Ryan Brennan August 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • Keep an eye out for items like handmade wood and metal crafts, traditional Iznik ceramics, colored glass lanterns, fresh spices, and jewelry.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Others—my preference—add a swipe of Dijon and a smattering of sliced cornichons, for a kick of spice and jolt of acidity.
    — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • Every bite reflects Georgia’s crossroads of cultures, blending East and West into something uniquely delicious.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • According to the International Shark Attack File, there were 105 shark-human interactions and just 65 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2025.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Aug. 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 scientists used cutting-edge airborne laser scanning technology and found hundreds of previously unknown earthworks.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The edges of your lawn and garden provide the perfect habitat for these plants, while fences and retaining walls can give support to growing poison ivy vines.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake layer, which helps to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and peach topping.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The result is spicy and luscious, the chili mix lending it an unmistakable tang of Thai red curry.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of tang
Noun
  • That texture was complemented by balanced sweetness and acidity and a zingy punch of garlic.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The existing method requires the acidity of the solution to be substantially reduced before the extraction can take place, and that adjustment can take approximately a week.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of acidity
Noun
  • And all sorts of additional flavorings — like fresh herbs, citrus zest, spices or ginger — can take the dressing in completely different directions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond her iconic roles, Keaton was known for her zest for fashion, especially looks that were menswear-inspired.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of zest

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pundits
pungency
pungent
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Cite this Entry

“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of pungency for Spanish Speakers

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