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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pungent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pungent are piquant, poignant, and racy. While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

When might piquant be a better fit than pungent?

While in some cases nearly identical to pungent, piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency.

a piquant sauce

When could poignant be used to replace pungent?

The words poignant and pungent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

When can racy be used instead of pungent?

While the synonyms racy and pungent are close in meaning, racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

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 pungent The bundle in the last bag was in the worst shape yet, riddled with rodent droppings and giving off a pungent odor. Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025 Certain stimuli, such as loud noises, flashing lights, or pungent odors, can trigger migraine attacks and result in sensory symptoms. Medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary methods can help treat and prevent migraine attacks. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025 Some of the jars contained garum, a pungent fish sauce that was common at the time. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 May 2025 Flowers are violet in color and can be used as garnishes, while leaves can be chopped and served as pungent seasoning in the manner of scallions and garlic greens. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
  • Produced by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Belle Meade Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that offers a rich and spicy profile.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Get the party started with these sweet and spicy chicken wings.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025
  • And to think, this pitiless conquistador came to North America as a humble kitchen herb, deliberately imported by European settlers for its piquant flavor.
    Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Try a piece of kielbasa, known for its earthy and slightly sweet flavor with a prominence of garlic, or a bite of mild and milky farmer’s cheese, which will leave taste buds tangy.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Dill Pickle Chickpea Salad An excellent option for a refreshingly tangy side dish for any backyard barbecue, summer potluck, or as a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 11 June 2025
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The rediscovery comes at a poignant time for Dana and her family.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 June 2025
  • In one of the film’s most poignant moments, Johan lovingly applies Testogel to William’s thighs.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Mamdani joined her for a sarcastic infomercial on her account, criticizing Mayor Adams’ record.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
  • Teaming up with Rebels like the enigmatic Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and the sarcastic droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), Jyn’s quest for salvation and redemption runs right up to the beginning of the original film, Star Wars: A New Hope.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Since the lawyers meet to try the city’s best restaurant, there are plenty of close-ups of their meals and everything looks delicious.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Pick up some bright red tomatoes for a salad, homemade soap, vegetables for a delicious dinner or fresh bread straight from the oven at your local market.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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