1
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
a pungent chili that is not for those with timid taste buds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
In Fez, shadowy narrow alleys twist through the medina—past mosaic-tiled courtyards and the pungent scent of leather dyeing vats.
—
Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The store sells basic produce, along with more specialty items, like durian — a large, spiky fruit with a pungent smell and creamy texture — and taro — a root vegetable with vanilla and coconut undertones.
—Rachel Schlueter, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2025
Those bright, vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red also repel flies and other insects thanks to their pungent odors.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
The tapenade, a pungent combination of olives, garlic, capers and anchovy, can be prepared by hand or in a food processor and can serve as a base to a bright salad of tomatoes and peppers.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The store sells basic produce, along with more specialty items, like durian — a large, spiky fruit with a pungent smell and creamy texture — and taro — a root vegetable with vanilla and coconut undertones.
—Rachel Schlueter, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2025
Those bright, vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red also repel flies and other insects thanks to their pungent odors.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
The tapenade, a pungent combination of olives, garlic, capers and anchovy, can be prepared by hand or in a food processor and can serve as a base to a bright salad of tomatoes and peppers.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
-
Inside this keepsake case is an Earthy and complex blend of warm cedarwood, deep myrrh resin, and spicy clove.—
Dan Michel,
Robb Report,
7 Aug. 2025
-
This casserole has all the flavors of your favorite Buffalo wings—spicy chicken, lots of cheese, carrots, and celery.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Within an hour of arriving, a familiar, piquant aroma wafted from the kitchen.—
Cleyvis Natera,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 July 2025
-
Or hamachi crudo in a piquant blend of fish sauce, lime juice, and peach.—
Lia Picard,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
This comforting chicken recipe can be made quickly in your Crockpot and offers a tangy, savory meal for dinner tonight.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The Cherry Berry & Sprite beverage is bustling with tangy and fruity flavor, but the carbonation and tartness from medley of berries may elicit an initial sour reaction.—
Logan Holland,
People.com,
7 Aug. 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
-
Anastasio provided the most poignant moment during the weekend’s opening sets.—
Eric Renner Brown,
Billboard,
4 Aug. 2025
-
The musician opened up about rejoining the band in a poignant Instagram post on Thursday.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
31 July 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
-
This is the kind of sarcastic humor that keeps the mood light throughout the 162-game marathon.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Aug. 2025
-
This perky, self-aware, sarcastic and downright silly show caters to both the more traditional Goodspeed audiences.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
In the video, a school bus gets stuck in a pothole and JJ and his friends transform into superheroes after eating some delicious fruity muffins.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
8 Aug. 2025
-
For oceanfront views and delicious seafood, Waterman’s Surfside Grille on the south end of the Boardwalk is a go-to, famous for its breezy patio and signature Orange Crush.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share