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 Red onion adds pungency while a couple of tablespoons of fresh, feathery dill bring a cooling, fragrant burst of freshness to the dish. — Martha Stewart, 15 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for pungency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency

Noun

The bitterness this caused would help lead to the rise of radical elements in Germany—Erzberger was murdered in 1921, and Hitler would come to power over the next decade—eventually bringing about the Second World War.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026
Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

This version, made with pumpkin instead of chocolate, captures that fall pumpkin-pie-spice feeling.

— Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Ikoyi landed at number 48 this year, owing to its contemporary global menu that is inspired by both British microseasonality and meticulously sourced global spices.

— Nathan Tavares, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of spice

Noun

As the guests arrived on the wedding day, they were treated to cocktails and delicious bites before taking a seat in the ceremony area.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
Serve chocolate cranberry bites, this zippy bundt cake or this cranberry curd tart on the dessert table.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 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

Two came from edge Chop Robinson while another was courtesy of fellow edge Josh Uche.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Bake pie until edges of filling are set and slightly puffed but center still wobbles a little when gently shaken, 40–50 minutes (filling will continue to set after baking).

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

Roasted tomatillos and a mix of green chiles give the Mexican stew its tang and heat; a final swirl of cilantro purée adds fresh flavor and turns the whole pot brilliantly green.

— Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Apple-Cranberry Walnut Pie Sweet apples balance the tang of cranberries in this beautiful fruit pie.

— Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of tang

Noun

Co-owners Chase and Steff Valencia adore this Languedoc orange wine, which offers notes of bold fruit—peach and apricot—and a bright acidity that can cut through even the butteriest of mashed potatoes.

— Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Lactic acid, on the other hand, simply uses its acidity to loosen those bonds.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of acidity

Noun

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, the remaining 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and the garlic, stirring until the butter is melted and coats the beans.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
The oven baked hot water cornbread, however, steals the show with fragrant orange zest, crisp crust and a substantial crumb.

— Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of zest

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 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of pungency

noun

Example Sentences

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