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
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
Ginger contains more than 400 chemical compounds, but the anti-nausea effect primarily stems from two — gingerol and shogaol — which give the plant its pungency.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 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
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026
Ginger contains more than 400 chemical compounds, but the anti-nausea effect primarily stems from two — gingerol and shogaol — which give the plant its pungency.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 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
-
Add the lime juice just before serving to preserve brightness and prevent bitterness.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
-
How did someone emerge from such darkness without becoming consumed by bitterness?—
Norman B. Gildin,
Sun Sentinel,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
For lunch, make three-bean chili with kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn and chili spices.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2026
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Our Recipe Our version doesn’t use a spice cake mix as so many others do.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
The brakes have an initial bite, but are satisfyingly firm.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
12 June 2026
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Before the development of effective antivenoms and modern critical care, bites from snakes with comparable venom profiles had much graver prognoses.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
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
Noun
-
The ball ricocheted to the edge of the infield grass, where first baseman Freddie Freeman picked it up.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
Noun
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These bacteria ferment milk sugar, or lactose, into flavor compounds and organic acids, which give the butter a mild tang and complex flavor.—
Rosemary Trout,
The Conversation,
10 June 2026
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White wine, shallots, and lemon zest and juice build on what the butter and garlic get started, and a couple tablespoons of capers give the dish a zesty tang.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Hovering somewhere between solid and liquid, mozzarella di bufala erupts on the palate with an electric acidity that cuts through its concentrated, velvety curd.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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However, note that vinegar has a strong odor and its acidity can damage some surfaces, like natural stone.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
In a small bowl whisk together lemon zest and juice, the sumac, 2 Tbsp.—
Emily Teel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 June 2026
-
White wine, shallots, and lemon zest and juice build on what the butter and garlic get started, and a couple tablespoons of capers give the dish a zesty tang.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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