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
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
The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Paneer just has this wonderful, gentle expression of milky dairy richness, but without much pungency to it.
—Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungency
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
The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Paneer just has this wonderful, gentle expression of milky dairy richness, but without much pungency to it.
—Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Just make sure to choose limes with slightly thinner skin for less bitterness.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Weeks after American Idol audiences booed her for giving honest feedback, Carrie Underwood responded not with bitterness but with blue boxes.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The recipe calls for fresh thyme but feel free to try other herbs and spices such as sage or curry.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This does double duty as a spice grinder.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two Boys Fighting Over a Bladder (circa 1767–1770) suggests that the latter view has bite.—
Julian Bell,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The wing’s bark pairs with plenty of bite.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
The Patriots had a busy offseason, adding top free agents wide receiver Romeo Doubs, safety Kevin Byard, edge defender Dre’Mont Jones and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, among other veterans.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The 2022 draft was the last one to be truly wide open at the top — the Jags ended up picking edge rusher Travon Walker in a year that featured three edge rushers and two cornerbacks in the top five, and no quarterback selected until Kenny Pickett at 20.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The rich buttermilk ranch dressing is brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest, which balances the tang of buttermilk and sour cream with the savory herb notes of chives and basil.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The thick, glossy coating is a perfect mix of sweet (honey), spicy (red pepper and fresh ginger), tang (vinegar) and umami (fish sauce).—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Always dilute apple cider vinegar before consuming it to protect your teeth and digestive tract from its acidity.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Generally speaking Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris from Alsace are dry, but even those with higher residual sugar exhibit vivid acidity that keeps them from seeming overly sweet.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Your laugh, your kindness, your wit, your strength, your loyalty, your passion and your zest for life.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
This is a bright but intense whisky, with notes of tropical fruit like mango and pineapple, vanilla, butterscotch, almonds, and a hint of lemon zest on the palate.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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