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
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
The key is to saute the kimchi to concentrate its pungency — the more fermented the kimchi, the better.
—Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
The key is to saute the kimchi to concentrate its pungency — the more fermented the kimchi, the better.
—Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Of the many types of basil, the classic Italian 'Treviso' variety stands out for resisting bitterness, staying tender longer, and being slow to flower even as summer heats up.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Red flags included bitterness or any metallic notes the beans may have picked up during processing.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This quintessential New Orleans cocktail, the Sazerac, has a beautiful spice character from the rye whiskey, compared to an Old Fashioned that would use the sweeter bourbon.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Many chili recipes can get out of control, calling for a long list of spices, but this one delivers big flavors by calling for the perfect amounts of just the right ones.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From comfort food classics to more elevated plates, several bites stood out at a preview event.—
Alexa Stone
January 9,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Guests will naturally gravitate towards these pairings, ensuring the perfect bite.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The man whom Navarro likes to call the Boss seems to value insincere, or bought, obeisance—the flapping and fussing of a maître d’—more than heartfelt fandom, which lacks the piquancy of humiliation.—
Ian Parker,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
-
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
-
Rye whiskey is the drier and spicier cousin of bourbon with an herbaceous edge, an edge which (as with the Sazerac, La Louisiane and others) is given a few dozen exclamation points with a dash of absinthe.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Cake mix, lemon pie filling, and butter come together in the oven to create crisp edges and a gooey, citrusy center, while a little cream cheese in the mix rounds out the lemon’s brightness.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Inspired by retro relish trays, this easy cheese spread is highly addictive thanks to the slight tang and brightness from marinated artichoke hearts and smokiness from the gouda.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Pita chips add extra crunch, and feta brings the tang.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The acidity slows enzyme activity, and refrigeration helps even more.—
Lynn Andriani,
Martha Stewart,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Drought shrivels the grapes; excessive heat deprives the juice of acidity; too much rain results in rampant mold.—
Nicola Twilley,
New Yorker,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Depending on the recipe, it is infused with orange blossom or citrus zest, resembling an American fruit cake.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Archery Summit 2023 Chardonnay has aromas of Anjou pear, citrus blossom, and mandarin zest with balanced acidity and flavors of honeydew and cantaloup melons, candied orange peel, and brown baking spices.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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