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
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Recent Examples of pungency
Paneer just has this wonderful, gentle expression of milky dairy richness, but without much pungency to it.
—
Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025
After five years, the pungency of Greek oregano wanes but the plant can easily be propagated from shoot tip cuttings.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
The key is to saute the kimchi to concentrate its pungency — the more fermented the kimchi, the better.
—Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
One of those is to impart bite: Sour-style cocktails need acid, and most of the Western world defaults to citrus thanks to its affordability, ample pungency, and mild flavor.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025
After five years, the pungency of Greek oregano wanes but the plant can easily be propagated from shoot tip cuttings.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
The key is to saute the kimchi to concentrate its pungency — the more fermented the kimchi, the better.
—Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
One of those is to impart bite: Sour-style cocktails need acid, and most of the Western world defaults to citrus thanks to its affordability, ample pungency, and mild flavor.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Anger over the bloodshed now adds to the bitterness over the economy, which has been hollowed out by decades of sanctions, corruption and mismanagement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The bright fragrant baking spice from Angostura Bitters is replaced with the deep earth of the Cynar whose bitterness brings a constant low hum, like engine noise on an airplane.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ginger is available in multiple forms, including fresh preparations, teas, culinary spices, and dietary supplements, and can be used to manage pain and discomfort associated with various inflammatory conditions.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Give your old recipe some extra color and spice and leave the potluck with an empty dish.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Stir together the remoulade as the crab cakes cook, so as little time as possible stands between you and your first bite.—
Karla Walsh,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Infected cats can carry the fungus in their claws or skin lesions, and scratches or bites can transmit the infection to humans.—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The man whom Navarro likes to call the Boss seems to value insincere, or bought, obeisance—the flapping and fussing of a maître d’—more than heartfelt fandom, which lacks the piquancy of humiliation.—
Ian Parker,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
-
And a jicama salad is my personal favorite, balancing heat in piquancy and chill in temperature.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Landscape architect Rick Parisi also presented mock-ups showing the foliage that will accent the ballroom grounds and the relocation of a fountain on the east edge of the White House campus.—
Arden Farhi,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This versatile dairy staple can bulk up a breakfast smoothie, anchor a marinade for lamb and other meats, form the base of classic dips like tzatziki, and transform ice pops into high-protein, healthy desserts—adding tang, tenderness, and creaminess along the way.—
Joe Sevier,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Today, capsule endoscopy is a routine tool in gastroenterology; ingestible devices can measure acidity, temperature, or gas concentrations.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
18 Feb. 2026
-
There is bright acidity in the mid palate and flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, red plum, and freshly leafy herbs all deftly wrapped in velvety soft tannins.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Serve immediately, topped with more lemon zest and dill, and a generous drizzle of oil.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Add the lemon zest and juice, olives, parsley, then fold in the pasta, adding more stock as needed.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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