PUNGENCY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

pungency

noun

ˈpən-jən(t)-sē

Definition of pungency

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

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

Noun

Magazine understands that an experience need not be melodramatic or unique to be deeply transformative, and that moments of joy or bitterness, confusion or clarity, can all sit side by side.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Don’t leave without trying the cold brew tamarindo, where the fruit’s tartness plays against the bitterness of the coffee.

— Nikkita Nair, Saveur, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

Poblano peppers are charred and peeled, then stuffed with picadillo, a mix of ground beef, spices, nuts and seasonal fruits such as pears and apples.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Rice and Red Bean Salad A kicky spice blend and fresh jalapeño peppers flavor this nutritious Tex-Mex dish.

— Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of spice

Noun

The goat is tender and deeply savory, the perfect vehicle for slathering charred avocado and queso for a truly melt-in-your-mouth bite.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Gummi Popz, chewy bite-sized squares filled with fizzing candy, went on sale earlier this year.

— Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 14 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

The Eagles were not as dominant in 2025, partly due to the regression of the depth in their secondary and the injuries sustained at edge rusher.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
The facilities would include what’s known as an edge computing data center, which typically is much smaller than traditional data centers and which Global Stack says would require lower utility use and no municipal water connection.

— Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

The beef is ultra savory and deeply spiced with chili powder and cumin, while tomatoes and black beans add body and gentle acidity to the filling.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2026
It’s also commonly used in dressings and marinades due to its acidity.

— Lauren O'Connor, HEALTH, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of acidity

Browse Nearby Words

pundits

pungency

pungent

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Style

“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pungency

noun

Example Sentences

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