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pungency

noun

ˈpən-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
Definition of pungencynext
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

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 Wasabi is known for its nasal-clearing pungency, exceeding that of any other condiment. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
  1. bitterness
  2. spice
  3. bite
  4. piquancy
  5. edge
  6. tang
  7. acidity
  8. zest
Noun
  • Arugula’s natural bitterness kicks off digestion before the first bite, cueing saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes that help the body prepare to break down a meal.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Why arugula may help digestion The whole pitch hinges on one thing, bitterness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • Here, the spice mingles with cardamom and ginger before giving way to earthy patchouli, papyrus, and creamy orris butter.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Add the black beans and vegetable broth and stir until combined with the spices and tomato paste.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • More recently, Costco debuted a seasonal strawberry shortcake sundae featuring vanilla or strawberry soft serve, shortcake bites and strawberry topping.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026
  • On Monday, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment urged residents to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of bite
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
  • Diaby intercepted a pass in the attacking third, raced to the edge of the penalty box and blasted a rising shot into the net to cap the scoring in the 63rd minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • In places at low to moderate risk of fire, along the edges of flat valleys and lazy hills, growth in the FAIR Plan is ballooning, and it is being used to underwrite new suburban development.
    — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • The pickled papaya salad on top lends the loveliest bit of sweet tang and a little crunch.
    — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • When fully deployed, the titanium lockbar moves directly behind the blade tang to establish lockup.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of tang
Noun
  • Crudo but not crudo, salad but not salad, a gorgeous rummage of ingredients popping off flashbulb-bright acidity.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Sourdough bread stays fresh longer than yeast bread due to its natural acidity, but is best consumed within 48 hours.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of acidity
Noun
  • The bright loaf cake sings of sunny lemons thanks to the zest as well as juice.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Made out of stainless steel, the grater effortlessly zests citrus, shreds hard cheeses, and grates fresh spices.
    — Mariette Williams, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of zest

Browse Nearby Words

pundits
pungency
pungent
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Cite this Entry

“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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