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
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
Rich, intense, and kissed with the signature pungency of blue cheese, there is nothing quite like a cut of dry-aged beef.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 30 July 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
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
Rich, intense, and kissed with the signature pungency of blue cheese, there is nothing quite like a cut of dry-aged beef.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 30 July 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
-
My favorite is the ham and Gouda sandwich, but my husband’s shawarma burger, coated with Middle Eastern spices, was also delicious.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
-
Furthermore, some data suggests that the spice's rare toxicity may be linked to aberrant immune responses to curcumin, which may lead immune cells to attack the liver.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Try a piece of kielbasa, known for its earthy and slightly sweet flavor with a prominence of garlic, or a bite of mild and milky farmer’s cheese, which will leave taste buds tangy.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
-
Nick offered a brief izakaya definition for readers who aren’t familiar: An izakaya is Japan’s version of an English pub, with drinks, small bites and a social vibe.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 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 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
Noun
-
Periphery, fresh off their 2025 release Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre, will bring their signature technical wizardry to the tour, while Honey Revenge, whose debut album Retrograde Heart has been praised for its infectious hooks and alternative edge, will add an exciting contrast to the lineup.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
9 July 2025
-
The tiles are made from non-toxic, BPA-free plastic with smooth, rounded edges.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
There’s a light tang in the sauce, great flavor in the cheese and a harmony among ingredients that shows real intention behind the food.—
Tristan Graziano,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2025
-
Orange, grapefruit, or pineapple juice can provide a similar tang, but with a bit more sweetness.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Avocado adds richness, cucumbers add crunch, and sweet, in-season tomatoes add a pop of bright acidity.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
7 July 2025
-
In the last couple of decades, the region has proven that international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir flourish here, particularly at higher elevations where cool nights preserve acidity and aromatics.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Transfer to a wide bowl, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with lemon zest and cilantro, and serve hot.—
Greg Chelmis,
Saveur,
10 July 2025
-
The rosé notes are bright, and include summer melon and citrus zest, while the label features ribbony stripes bearing the Stella McCartney logo in a palette of red, white and rose.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Audiences have responded rapturously to the film, moved by the intimacy of the storytelling and its surprising balance of poignancy and humor.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 June 2025
-
The immediacy of these relations and connections contributes warmth and poignancy, but not necessarily deep insight into the man that Kaufman actually became.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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