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

His bitterness over his broken dreams not only hangs over his own life, but threatens to shatter his family.

— Steve Palopoli, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Some taste like sweet custard with fruity flourishes, others carry a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butter-like flavor.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

Made with warm spices, vanilla, maple, and citrus, and drizzled with lemon icing, this homey cake is a bright spin on a classic.

— Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Where some meat sticks can be dry, tough, or overly processed, these are remarkably tender with a satisfying snap, plus a smoky, savory flavor with just enough spice to keep each bite interesting.

— Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of spice

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 frontier of what needs a human recedes every quarter, and the companies that know exactly where the line sits have a real edge.

— Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
On the fourth pitch of the at-bat, Yamamoto turned to his splitter for the first time, barely clipping the inside edge of the strike zone.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

Think of it as a brighter, more fragrant take on chess pie, with the tang of buttermilk in both the flaky crust and silky filling.

— Alison Roman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
To make it at home, start with a base of ketchup, add apple cider vinegar for tang, then balance the mix with both light brown sugar and pineapple juice for caramel notes and natural fruity sweetness.

— Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of tang

Noun

Notes like passionfruit, mango, and coconut can add creamy texture to a fragrance, while notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, and berries bring acidity, for example.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2026
Its high acidity and bright red fruit cut through the rich texture of the baked salmon.

— Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of acidity

Noun

Toss with a generous drizzle of olive oil, lemon zest, thyme, and a pinch of salt.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Fresh lemon zest and lemon juice keep the custard vibrant, while just a pinch of saffron adds delicate floral notes and a golden hue without overpowering the citrus.

— Alison Roman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of zest

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 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pungency

noun

Example Sentences

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