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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungent
Some other performers' versions over the years have reworded some of the more pungent insults, with the band's assent, so the song can be more widely played.
—
NPR, 29 Nov. 2025
But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the chicken, whose shatter-crisp texture and pungent yet sweet flavor could overcome any dose of novocaine.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 21 Nov. 2025
In the kitchen, brownish water with a pungent smell backed up through the floor drain when the handwashing sink faucet is open.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025
Topped with creamy brebis, a ricotta-like cheese made from ewe’s milk, and pungent pickled cauliflower, the starter hit all of the notes in flavor and texture.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
NPR, 29 Nov. 2025
But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the chicken, whose shatter-crisp texture and pungent yet sweet flavor could overcome any dose of novocaine.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 21 Nov. 2025
In the kitchen, brownish water with a pungent smell backed up through the floor drain when the handwashing sink faucet is open.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025
Topped with creamy brebis, a ricotta-like cheese made from ewe’s milk, and pungent pickled cauliflower, the starter hit all of the notes in flavor and texture.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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Rye whiskey is the drier and spicier cousin of bourbon with an herbaceous edge, an edge which (as with the Sazerac, La Louisiane and others) is given a few dozen exclamation points with a dash of absinthe.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 Jan. 2026
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This creamy, cheesy pasta dish gets its extra spicy flavor from Andouille sausage, pepper Jack cheese, and Cajun seasoning.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
10 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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This year, the most piquant examples of the mad mother arrived in dramas of various hues and temperaments.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
19 Dec. 2025
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It is often topped with crispy and raw onions, slathered with piquant sauces (including rémoulade and sweet brown mustard), and served on a toasted bun.—
Lauren Breedlove,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Joining it is newcomer Prickly Ever After Rita, a margarita that leans into contrast by mixing tequila, citrus, and prickly pear for a balance of sweet and tangy, per a press release.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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The fermentation process not only gives sourdough its signature tangy flavor and slightly chewy texture, but also makes the bread more blood-sugar-friendly.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Marriage Story star first appeared as a child in an uncredited role in the Scorsese film — Ladd's first taste of major acclaim as the sarcastic waitress Flo.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Nov. 2025
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The kicking game was so bad that Freeman sounded like Brian Kelly at his sarcastic best when asked about Noah Burnette, Erik Schmidt and Marcello Diomede combining to miss two extra points and one field goal.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Soup Up the Basic Chicken Noodle Stir a few tablespoons into the broth of your standard chicken noodle soup for a delicious Mediterranean spin on a favorite.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
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Besides being undeniably delicious, these creations put an end to indecision, offering two craveable recipes in each bite.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Also at tight end, Jackson Verdugo, who had a strong freshman season, is due back, and FIU signed incoming freshmen Davis Brown and Ayden Passley.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
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Nicole says Hannah did get better and stronger — strong enough that Hannah's neurologist told her the whole story.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Possible Worsening of Acid Reflux Symptoms Many juices, such as orange, lemon, and pineapple, are highly acidic and can worsen symptoms in people with acid reflux.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
7 Jan. 2026
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While both are safe and effective for preserving, citric acid can contribute a sharper, more acidic note, while salt tends to round out tomato flavor.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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