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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Recent Examples of pungent
The scorpion metaphor, though pungent, was poorly chosen.
—
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Certain compounds in asparagus contain the chemical sulfur, which is known for its pungent scent.
—Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
What makes these plants unattractive to deer—prickly or hairy stems or leaves, a pungent scent, or a covering of fuzzy hairs—is a win for your garden, adding charm to your landscape.
—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025
Then amplify that based on a steady diet of some kind of pungent food.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Certain compounds in asparagus contain the chemical sulfur, which is known for its pungent scent.
—Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
What makes these plants unattractive to deer—prickly or hairy stems or leaves, a pungent scent, or a covering of fuzzy hairs—is a win for your garden, adding charm to your landscape.
—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025
Then amplify that based on a steady diet of some kind of pungent food.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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For decor, Pollock says to let bold colors and spicy details bring the flavor.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2025
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There are also bento boxes, spicy tuna bowls, and crispy tempura.—
Kaila Yu,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Guests enjoyed small bites of briny mussels filled with Bluefin tuna, piquant gochujang sardine toasts, and an elegant Korean beef tartare.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
16 May 2025
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The brand contacts bartender Simon Difford for help with an original launch cocktail, and Difford immediately recognizes the capacity of St-Germain to complement the piquant fruit, floral, and mineral qualities in white wine.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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How to Make Greek Yogurt Taste Better If the tangy taste of plain Greek yogurt is holding you back from trying it, there are a few ways to incorporate this ingredient into your diet in better-tasting ways.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
15 May 2025
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Vita Coco Treats Orange & Creme Flavor Vita Coco has launched its newest Treats flavor, Orange & Creme, which combines the tangy taste of orange and cream with the tropical richness of coconut milk.—
Adam Mills,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 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
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Still, Benny’s struggles are emotionally poignant, and once Carmen figures out his secret, the show is able to go to some interesting places.—
Nina Metz Chicago Tribune,
Boston Herald,
16 May 2025
-
Over 50 Indigenous designers took part in the weekend, each one debuting avant-garde creations with a poignant cultural flair.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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While the jeers towards Xhaka followed the midfielder, Arsenal’s captain at the time, retaliating to sarcastic cheers from the crowd at him being replaced in an October 2019 home match against Crystal Palace, those directed at Eboue were due to his performance.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
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His first half was littered with increasingly ridiculous highlights: a lefty hook over Isaiah Hartenstein, a potpourri of 3s with hands in his face, a sarcastic stare-down after his defender tried taking a charge, followed by a pass to himself off the backboard to simplify the finish.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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This recipe would be delicious served at brunch as easily as after supper.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
19 May 2025
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Ambassadors Clubhouse Set on Mayfair’s Heddon Street, Ambassadors Clubhouse has a beautiful year-round terrace that serves up incredible Punjabi dishes and delicious cocktails.—
Rachel Dube,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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