1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs
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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
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
Not long ago, the residents of Gowanus, in Brooklyn, began to notice that the smell of their canal, known for its unpleasant odor since the Gilded Age, had reached a new level of pungency.
—Jake Offenhartz, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024
The bread’s soft, moist textures contrast with the tiny crunches of cacao nibs, ending with perfect pungency from black cardamom.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
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
Not long ago, the residents of Gowanus, in Brooklyn, began to notice that the smell of their canal, known for its unpleasant odor since the Gilded Age, had reached a new level of pungency.
—Jake Offenhartz, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024
The bread’s soft, moist textures contrast with the tiny crunches of cacao nibs, ending with perfect pungency from black cardamom.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Delicious and full of flavor, the roast contains brown sugar that balances out the bitterness of the beer, while vinegar adds a hint of brightness.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Additions like maple and honey round out the bitterness and tartness, creating balanced cocktails with depth and finesse.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In traditional Chinese medicine, this spice is considered to have antiseptic and digestive benefits.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Patrons can choose between six spice levels.—
Amanda Hancock,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Still, the two main budget bills easily passed both chambers and were sent to the governor before the Senate took up the marijuana tax legislation, taking the bite out of Hall's threat.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The most notable part of this gag was not the joke itself, a standard late-night quip delivered with appropriate piquancy.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The key to its flavor is a balance of sweet, spice, piquancy and heat, which creates a balanced and addictive bite.—
Lynda Balslev,
The Mercury News,
17 June 2024
Noun
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The title may have the tang of a prog-rock album, but the book is witty, minutely detailed, and braced by common sense—a welcome gift in an often obsessive environment.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Deal Island Devil Cream Cake is a moist and lightly chocolatey cake, with a slight tang from buttermilk.—
Sheri Castle,
Southern Living,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Most disease problems can be avoided through proper plant care including proper fertilization, adequate soil drainage, and maintaining appropriate soil acidity.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Stonestreet Estate has Chardonnay planted within this cooler area, where the fog limits sunlight and helps to maintain acidity, while the Cabernet Sauvignon that is planted on higher slopes receives three to four more hours of sunlight a day that help bring the grapes to full ripeness.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In an extra-large bowl toss apple chunks, lemon zest, and lemon juice.—
Staff Author,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Stir together oil, lemon zest and 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic in a medium bowl.—
Sonal Dutt,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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