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
  • Mexican Americans have long risen up to defend ourselves and defy our haters, but there’s usually an underlying strain of bitterness and anger that kneecaps us at the worst possible moments.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Tens of thousands continue to come each year, yet no widespread anger or bitterness grows.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • The word entered English during British rule in India and was later extended to mean a hot alcoholic drink, especially one mixed with spirits, hot water, sugar, and spices.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Chili powder, cumin, and cayenne give it the signature chili spice (leave out the cayenne for a milder version) while Worcestershire and tomato sauce provide savoriness.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • At a charge, guests may also book a cute Patina Osaka wagon, packed with chairs, cuddly blankets, bites, and drinks for a bucolic picnic in the park.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • The reception reportedly offered multiple bars and food stations, which featured bites such as sushi and Italian cuisine.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 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 Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Storebought dulce de leche makes this homemade brownie extra easy, while a thin layer of cream cheese adds a bit of tang.
    — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 July 2026
  • The crust on the Margherita is covered in big, charred bubbles, with a tang that’s present, but fleeting.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of tang
Noun
  • That has raised ocean acidity—a direct result of CO2 absorption—by 30%.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2026
  • Research has shown that shifts in soil pH to higher acidity can reduce the growth of some microbes, undermining plant-microbe partnerships that have evolved over millions of years.
    — Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of acidity
Noun
  • Lemon zest and juice in the filling give a citrusy hue to the pie.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • Even more than Stinnerbom’s cardamom bun — which some praise as the best in Oslo — the more elemental cinnamon notes, enhanced with lemon zest and juice, allow the sourdough’s multifaceted dimensions to come through.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of zest

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pungency
pungent
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Cite this Entry

“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of pungency for Spanish Speakers

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