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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungency
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
This historic two-game parlay of pungency followed up a classic, a double-overtime loss to Oregon, back when Franklin’s inability to beat high-ranking opponents was his biggest problem.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
This historic two-game parlay of pungency followed up a classic, a double-overtime loss to Oregon, back when Franklin’s inability to beat high-ranking opponents was his biggest problem.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Add the lime juice just before serving to preserve brightness and prevent bitterness.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
-
How did someone emerge from such darkness without becoming consumed by bitterness?—
Norman B. Gildin,
Sun Sentinel,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Plates of chi kyufta, lean raw meat kneaded with bulgur, aromatics and spices, sit alongside enough caviar to accommodate bumps the size of golf balls for 450 guests.—
Ani Duzdabanyan,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
Community Chest and Chance cards are replaced by Suriel's Truth cards and Book of Breathings cards, some of which retain the humor and spice of the beloved series.—
Kirsten Acuna,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Aguirre hoped his team would shake off nerves following the emotional opener at Azteca Stadium and show more bite in its second game against South Korea, but his team didn’t have much power behind its attack during the game’s first 45 minutes.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Nosh on lamb skewers or savor bites of sweet plantains.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
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
Noun
-
Puff sleeves, a scalloped hem, lace trim, and eyelet detailing give this top a soft, feminine edge.—
Jill Layton,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Orange and lime juice in the marinade add tang, while honey adds a touch of sweetness.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
15 June 2026
-
These bacteria ferment milk sugar, or lactose, into flavor compounds and organic acids, which give the butter a mild tang and complex flavor.—
Rosemary Trout,
The Conversation,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
If buying bread specifically for croutons, think of the loaf as the first seasoning decision—sourdough brings acidity, ciabatta brings crunch, brioche brings richness, and each will behave differently in the pan.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
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Dark fruit, spice, and savory notes are woven together with polished tannins and bright acidity, creating a wine that feels composed from start to finish.—
Emily Cappiello,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
The palate offers notes of tropical fruit and citrus zest with a savory wire of acidity keeping it all together.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Vivid acidity and astonishing freshness frame flavors of lemon zest and Pink Lady apple with a closing note of salinity.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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