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 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

Noun

Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness.

— Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Delicate notes of wild berries complement the citrusy hop character and crisp, dry finish, creating a perfect balance of fruity flavor and bitterness.

— Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

Soul Food & Culture elevates the sandwich with their secret spice blend that gives the catfish a savory flavor.

— Justin Brown, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
An enormous double mutton chop, rubbed with a sweet and aromatic spice blend, and split lengthwise like a scientific specimen to display its rosy pink interior, is inspired by Chinese cumin lamb.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 26 July 2026

Definition of spice

Noun

In the 1960s a contagious reticulum cell sarcoma spread through a colony of laboratory hamsters, passing from animal to animal and even by the bite of a mosquito.

— John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Strawberries pack an impressive amount of nutrition into every bite, with fiber a standout nutrient.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 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

Connection feels safer when nobody has to guess where the edge is.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Lake Michigan is its main shoreline, though the northern edge also touches the Black River, a popular spot for kayakers and boaters, who can tie up at the waterfront restaurants.

— Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

The lemon zest and juice bring plenty of brightness, but the yogurt adds a little tang, too, that keeps the whole cake from turning cloyingly sweet.

— Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026
Sherry has a nutty flavor, and balsamic vinegar adds a rich, syrupy tang to glazes.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

Definition of tang

Noun

The soy sauce seasons the tofu to its core, while balsamic vinaigrette adds acidity, richness, and just enough sweetness.

— Ali Francis, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026
Algieri says Chablis typically features high acidity, strong mineral character, and is un-oaked or lightly oaked, but many of her clients are more familiar with Chardonnay having a rounder, buttery style driven by vanilla from heavy oak aging.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 26 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pungency

noun

Example Sentences

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