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
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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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Recent Examples of pungent
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
For more pungent smells, such as those from pet accidents, leave it for several hours or even overnight.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026
Aside from being a general nuisance with their ferocious snores, pungent odors and growls, bears can do serious damage to a home.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Delicious and pungent, there's no denying that the world of cheese can be a confusing (and rewarding) place.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
For more pungent smells, such as those from pet accidents, leave it for several hours or even overnight.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026
Aside from being a general nuisance with their ferocious snores, pungent odors and growls, bears can do serious damage to a home.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Delicious and pungent, there's no denying that the world of cheese can be a confusing (and rewarding) place.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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Entrees at The Gibson include short rib, salmon, spicy tagliatelle with shrimp and a pork chop.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Like most sushi restaurants in the city, there is spicy tuna and crispy rice on the menu, but this one is really good.—
Jocelyn Silver,
Vogue,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But it’s set apart from the rest of her work by a long, satirical section sending up gothic fiction and its fans.—
Erin Somers,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
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But the tone is often more satiric than somber, Park highlighting Man-su’s foibles and insecurities.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
-
Sustained support from the strings gives way to watery ripples and busy chatters, with piquant harmonic implications.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The spicy, sour, tangy dressing with tons of fresh herbs was the perfect contrast to such a rich, fatty cut.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Jan. 2026
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The tender pulled pork, tossed in a tangy sauce with one foot in Memphis and the Carolinas, was a standout.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Tom Lester played Eb Dawson, the Douglases' sarcastic young farmhand.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
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The worse things are going, the more bitter and sarcastic my humor sometimes gets.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This recipe is best served warm, as the chocolate will start to set up as the hot chocolate cools, which won't be as delicious to drink.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Jan. 2026
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Save some room for the brown butter almond cake at the end, which sounds deceptively simple but is the very definition of delicious with whimsical plating and delicious—and complex—flavors.—
Asonta Benetti,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Neighbors are now calling for a stronger police presence beyond the campus itself.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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The yen touched its strongest level since October in US trading Tuesday after comments from Japanese officials, including just recently the finance minister, fueled speculation that the government may intervene in the market to prevent the currency from resuming its decline.—
Mia Glass,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The combination of the formula's acidic component, which dissolves stains and the mild abrasive, which lifts the texture, effectively revives old cookware.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
27 Jan. 2026
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Baking soda, a fine white powder, can neutralize acidic carpet stains, absorb odors, and act as a gentle abrasive to help loosen and lift dirt and other debris.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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