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
  • As olives ripen, their oil content increases, texture softens and flavor becomes milder and less bitter – with the bitterness due to naturally occurring compounds called oleuropeins.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • 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
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
  • The district encouraged residents to take preventative measures, as avoiding mosquito bites is the most effective way to protect oneself from West Nile virus and other illnesses spread by mosquitos.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • The aforementioned allergy to things like ice cream and hamburgers, for example, is called alpha-gal syndrome, and it’s spread in the US by the bite of another tick, called the lone star.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 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
  • By late summer, humidity draws out Nag Champa incense, OG Kush, hot concrete, and the metallic tang of the elevated subway tracks.
    — Parizaad Khan Sethi, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2026
  • Fresh goji berries are bittersweet with a slight tang, often described as a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026
Definition of tang
Noun
  • That's because the compounds that are found in red wine (the one's that are full of acidity and produce a dye-like substance) don't have as much time to set in.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
  • Like the perfect peach, your fruit salad should dance between acidity and sweetness.
    — Cooking Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of acidity
Noun
  • This 100 percent Chardonnay has aromas of citrus blossoms, lemon zest, and graphite.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, stir together butter, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon in a large bowl.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Definition of zest

Browse Nearby Words

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 19 Jul. 2026.

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