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
Relevance
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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
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
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
What remains is not shame or bitterness, but genuine care.—
Kelly Foster Lundquist,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
-
This swap will not only increase the healthfulness of your recipe, but dark chocolate’s bitterness is the perfect contrast to the sweetness of most baked goods.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Teaninich 8 Year Old ‘Daring Rye’ is a single grain whisky made with rye in the mashbill—uncommon but not unheard of in scotch whisky—giving it nice spice notes along with classic flavors picked up from its maturation in bourbon barrels.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Buttery and packed with spice, the Cajun compound butter really takes this turkey to the next level without being overly spicy.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Crisp bits of bacon add a salty crunch, while the green onion brings a fresh, mild bite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The poolside Joia Bar, modeled after a traditional Dominican casita, overlooks the lagoon pool and the sea, offering light bites, appetizers, and cocktails.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 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
-
Edis, chief of the Landon family office and a protégé of its founder, the late swashbuckling billionaire Timothy Landon, who’s legendary as the chief political advisor to his military school chum, the sultan of Oman, notes that Swain gives Houlihan Lokey an extra edge.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
1 Nov. 2025
-
This is the original pool, an infinity-edge spot where, years ago, Bobby would spend hours splashing and then join us at Lotus for lunch.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Smoke from debris fires mixes with a faint tang of fuel from the few generators that still have gas.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Their buttery richness will cut through the tang of salad without competing with other hearty sides, like sweet potato casserole.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Don’t use undiluted vinegar since its acidity can damage outer frames or other surfaces near the glass.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Science shows that adding lemon to green tea can help stabilize catechins and boost the absorption of antioxidants, thanks to lemon juice’s acidity and vitamin C content.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Chop herbs, zest citrus and measure dry ingredients for baking so everything is ready to go when the cooking starts.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Remove skillet from heat; uncover and stir in lemon zest and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share