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
Ginger contains more than 400 chemical compounds, but the anti-nausea effect primarily stems from two — gingerol and shogaol — which give the plant its pungency.
—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 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
The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungency
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 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
The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Bram, his husband, has a demanding job at a museum in Rotterdam and Arnold’s bitterness has grown wearying.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
-
Find out how to beat boredom and bitterness while holding onto your job, with tips on how to build your next chapter, from career coach Cynthia Young.—
Courtney Connley-Hampton,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
While the through note on these stellar wines was red- and black-berry flavors with opulent tannins and touches of spice, earth, and dark chocolate, each wine was distinct and reflective of its season.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
31 May 2026
-
Expect rose, lychee, candied orange peel, and a quiet Mizunara spice on the finish.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
This can occur with or without skin markings, which may be mistaken for seemingly benign culprits like bug bites or an allergic reaction.—
Alyssa Sparacino,
Glamour,
29 May 2026
-
Guests celebrating Giant included American Vogue Editor Chloe Malle as well as theater producers Tom Kirhady, Lucas McMahon, and Greg Nobile, who sipped on wine and champagne and dined on light bites whilst mingling and talking Tony prospects.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
29 May 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
-
The union has argued that the language — coupled with an arbitration provision — will limit the use of AI replicas to a handful of edge cases.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
5 June 2026
-
As the resort’s premium hotel-within-a-hotel experience, Hōkūpa‘a Tower guests will not only find larger indoor and outdoor room layouts, but will also gain access to The Lānai, a private lounge-style space with complimentary food and drinks, a private bar, and infinity-edge cocktail pools.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
In yogurt’s case, bacteria convert the natural sugar in milk into lactic acid, which is what produces that signature tang and thickness.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
23 May 2026
-
This simple recipe adds a fruity flavor into moist cake with a rich tang of cream cheese frosting on top.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Avoid adding more hot sauce to the marinade—its potent acidity can quickly overtake the other flavors.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 June 2026
-
Heinz asserts that their ketchup is shelf-stable due to its natural acidity but should be refrigerated after opening to maintain its quality.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The nose offers aromas of caramel, vanilla, and toffee, set against a pronounced baking spice, citrus zest, and an herbal-minty rye character.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
Garnish with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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