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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in satirical
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Then amplify that based on a steady diet of some kind of pungent food.
—
Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
Roasting transforms pungent, sharp and crunchy radishes into a mellow, nutty and slightly sweet juicy side dish.
—Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 15 Apr. 2025
But this bottle, from an array of vineyards on the North Coast, is gentle by comparison, well balanced, dry and pungent.
—Eric Asimov, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Because of the pungent scent of some varieties, marigolds are especially good for repelling insects and pests.
—Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
Roasting transforms pungent, sharp and crunchy radishes into a mellow, nutty and slightly sweet juicy side dish.
—Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 15 Apr. 2025
But this bottle, from an array of vineyards on the North Coast, is gentle by comparison, well balanced, dry and pungent.
—Eric Asimov, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Because of the pungent scent of some varieties, marigolds are especially good for repelling insects and pests.
—Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
-
The admirable Kentucky Freedom Run Farm provides the fine, flavorful lamb for a slow braising and sided with a spicy tomato jam risotto, coriander, mint-and-pistachio gremolata and the reduction of the meat’s juices.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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His agenda for a perfect day in L.A. includes a boat party, an ice bath and the most glorious spicy shrimp in town.—
Michelle Woo,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But none of these things feels piquant in this production.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Or use lentils in an entirely different pasta recipe altogether, like with bow tie noodles, roasted veggies, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. 9.—
Audrey Bruno,
SELF,
11 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to the sweetness of the carrots, the finished salad is garlicky, tangy, and spicy.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s the premise of Douglas Is Cancelled, a cruelly funny 2024 BBC sitcom that seems very much in sync with satiric comedies such as The Office and W1A and Yes Minister.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
An especially poignant moment was when a close friend provided a check with the payee line left blank, demonstrating immense trust and support.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, a poignant video from Easter Sunday is being remembered as the pontiff's final farewell.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
-
This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
Goldberg continued before asking her co-hosts their opinions in a sarcastic tone.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Where Jackie is sarcastic, cynical, and all sharp edges, Zoey is enthusiastic and warm.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2025
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Grilling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy proteins and veggies, but there’s ways to make that grilling experience bigger and bolder, and add a lot of flavor.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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