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 satiric
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
a pungent put-down that she will not soon forget
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungent
Most of us know licorice for its sweet, pungent flavor in candy and beverages—or, perhaps, as a soothing remedy for heartburn and tummy trouble.
—
Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
No suspicious whine in the air, no burning of pungent oils to put off biters.
—Antonia Quirke, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Not only does the fermentation process transform the cider into a pungent liquid with a slightly fruity taste, but it’s also thought to add beneficial nutritional features.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026
Kampot is also renowned for its durian, a tropical spiky fruit which—despite its pungent smell, often compared with smelly socks—is beloved for its sweet custardy taste.
—Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
No suspicious whine in the air, no burning of pungent oils to put off biters.
—Antonia Quirke, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Not only does the fermentation process transform the cider into a pungent liquid with a slightly fruity taste, but it’s also thought to add beneficial nutritional features.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026
Kampot is also renowned for its durian, a tropical spiky fruit which—despite its pungent smell, often compared with smelly socks—is beloved for its sweet custardy taste.
—Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
-
The Freak from The Girls Deli in North Park is a hot sandwich with salty pastrami, brisket, melted jack cheese, bacon, mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, onions, and jalapeños.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The traditional ingredients of a scampi—garlic, white wine, and butter—meld with the essence of a seafood boil thanks to hot sauce, spicy sausage, and Cajun seasoning.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Turner stars in Rosebush Pruning, a satirical tragicomedy thriller, alongside Pamela Anderson, Elle Fanning, Jamie Bell, and Lukas Gage.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
-
After the success of Rob Reiner’s 1984 satirical classic This Is Spinal Tap, which counts Guest as a star and co-writer, the latter returned to the mockumentary genre with Guffman, focusing on the quirky residents of a small town producing a stage musical to celebrate their history.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These pieces are flavor bombs, imparting salty, piquant, umami goodness into your soup.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There are so many ways to incorporate ginger into your meals, from this bright and tangy slaw to soups, stir-fries, and teas.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The strawberry honey ice cream has a tangy twist with balsamic glaze and black pepper folded in.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But pull her away from the TV cameras, photographers and the prying eyes of the world, and her sarcastic-bordering-on-vulgar sense of humor bubbles to the surface.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Liu asked with a sarcastic scoff and giggle.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Thanks in advance for your participation in making this year’s roster the most voted on yet — and for helping to keep our city delicious.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Southern Living’s recipe catalog is proof that there are countless delicious ways to cook up a breakfast casserole, but for some reason, this Cheesy Sausage-And-Croissant Casserole has stuck with our family.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The sport, therefore, has a strong relationship with the military, with troops in such environments regularly skinning up mountains before skiing back down.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Officers reportedly detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the driver, later identified as Lisboa.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Caramelizing mellows out the tart, acidic quality of the fruit and adds a rich, umami-like flavor to these meatballs.—
Carolynn Carreño,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Some plants can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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