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
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
-
Biden’s attempts to reingratiate himself have largely fallen on deaf ears, given the lasting bitterness many Democrats hold over his handling of the last year of his presidency.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Cook mustard greens with olive oil and spices like pepper flakes and garlic, then add vinegar or lemon juice to balance the bitterness.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That breaks down as 30 by the back door landing on bags of beans and rice; 40 by the three-compartment sink and dry storage shelves, landing on spices and dirty dishes; 10 by a kitchen prep table; 10 under another prep table; 10 by the walk-in freezer and steam table; and two by the front counter.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
McCormick spices just got a major glow-up.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 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
-
The measure appears to have been the least favored around the southeastern edge of the county, an area that was originally supposed to get access to the silver line.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
-
These changes, as well as, wearing bangs were a major key to keeping her edges strong.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Rather than using commercial yeast, hoochMKE’s breads are made with wild sourdough yeast, leading to a longer leavening process and a distinct tang.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The Worcestershire and hot sauce give it a subtle tang.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 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
-
The orange zest brightens the cranberries while the pistachios add subtle richness.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Add English peas, flat-leaf parsley, and curls of lemon zest for extra character.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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