1
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
a pungent chili that is not for those with timid taste buds
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2
as in satiric
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
a pungent put-down that she will not soon forget
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3
as in piquant
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a newspaper columnist known for his pungent observations on everyday life
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungent
The benzoquinones in those secretions are pungent to parasites and mosquitoes, and lemurs sometimes also ingest small amounts, suggesting a mix of topical repellent and internal deworming.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
The pungent smell of weed pervaded the arena as YoungBoy performed an eclectic set, showcasing the breadth of songs in his catalog.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
By definition, herbs are the pungent leafy portions of certain plants, while spices are derived from seeds, fruits, flowers, or roots.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
This is the most common type of black salt, known for its pungent and savory flavor.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
The pungent smell of weed pervaded the arena as YoungBoy performed an eclectic set, showcasing the breadth of songs in his catalog.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
By definition, herbs are the pungent leafy portions of certain plants, while spices are derived from seeds, fruits, flowers, or roots.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
This is the most common type of black salt, known for its pungent and savory flavor.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
-
Eragon has a different approach altogether with its spicy amber profile.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Dishes include banana bread pudding or spinach frittata with goat's cheese for breakfast and pork shoulder with figs, or Orecchiette with spicy vodka sauce for lunch and dinner.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Since that inaugural episode in late July, a steady stream of blistering satirical installments has not let up on the POTUS and key White House officials, from VP JD Vance to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
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Where Tom is the satirical end point of corporate America’s moral rot, Guiteau is like his spiritual predecessor, a 19th-century American striver so intoxicated by the promise of self-making that rejection feels like cosmic betrayal.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Try the Mezzrole, a piquant blend of French limes, Pickett’s spicy-sweet ginger syrup, and tart rice vinegar that finishes with notes of sea salt.—
Chala June,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Oct. 2025
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The spicy Korean burger is for the more adventurous among us, but the piquant pickled slaw on top is super addictive.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Love, give me lips and noses, skin parting tangy skin.—
Carson Colenbaugh,
The Atlantic,
9 Nov. 2025
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Each bite is savory and tangy, with a subtle kick of heat from pickled jalapeños.—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The Marriage Story star first appeared as a child in an uncredited role in the Scorsese film — Ladd's first taste of major acclaim as the sarcastic waitress Flo.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Nov. 2025
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The kicking game was so bad that Freeman sounded like Brian Kelly at his sarcastic best when asked about Noah Burnette, Erik Schmidt and Marcello Diomede combining to miss two extra points and one field goal.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Some even suggested delicious baking uses for the new treats.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
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Includes gardening tips to grow perfect perennials and chiles for every palate, plus articles on delicious Ukrainian food dishes and Christmas family traditions, banana recipe contest winners and practical life advice.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Nov. 2025
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But despite strong technical progress, widespread adoption remains challenging due to cost, infrastructure demands, and limited technological maturity.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Highly acidic foods like pickles and tomatoes will react with the can after an extended period of time, causing both taste and texture changes so pay particularly close attention to expiration dates on these items.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Nov. 2025
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Soil and Water Japanese maple likes a slightly acidic, humus-rich soil with good drainage.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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