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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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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungent
Its pungent aroma and sulfur compounds can deter common garden pests, such as sap-sucking aphids and fungus gnats.
—
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026
This pungent story is told in the award-winning documentary The Big Cheese, directed by Sara Joe Wolansky.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 27 May 2026
Garlic, onions, chives, and other plants in the allium family, including ornamentals, have a strong and pungent odor that repels an assortment of garden pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026
Both the natural ingredients and medicinal drugs used to treat fungal infections tend to be pungent.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026
This pungent story is told in the award-winning documentary The Big Cheese, directed by Sara Joe Wolansky.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 27 May 2026
Garlic, onions, chives, and other plants in the allium family, including ornamentals, have a strong and pungent odor that repels an assortment of garden pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026
Both the natural ingredients and medicinal drugs used to treat fungal infections tend to be pungent.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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The dinner menu spotlights the local bounty and skews Mediterranean with standouts such as the laffa (a chewier pita) with baba ganoush or a spicy carrot harissa dip and lamb sliders with mango jam and shallot pickle.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Draped over crisp salmon like in this rice bowl (mole instead of spicy mayo; radishes instead of cucs); this is a form of recipe development, sewing together patches into a colorful quilt.—
Emma Laperruque,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Missing many opportunities for genuine satirical home runs , this sixth go round doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but unfortunately can’t find much new to say about this genre, instead stuck in the same old formula even with the OG cast and characters back in charge.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
4 June 2026
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Cattelan is known for satirical pieces that challenge popular culture, often provoking debates around conceptual art.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The piquant dish is lacquered with strawberry-guajillo barbecue sauce, while a punchy coleslaw with Fresno chile vinaigrette rounds things out.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
-
Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The simple graham cracker crust and tangy cream cheese filling make a light, portable, make-ahead dessert that's great for potlucks and picnics.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 2026
-
How to Eat Soursop The mildly sweet and tangy flavor of soursop is delicious in recipes.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Shah’s closest ally (and the person most willing to call Shah on his lies to himself and others) is his cousin Zulfi, a gigantic character who Khan energizes with fast-talking charm, sarcastic asides, and an assessing glare that can cut through anyone’s defenses.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
Yet another compared the look to Van Gogh, while others were more than ready to take Bieber up on her presumably sarcastic offer to accept appointments.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
25 May 2026
Adjective
-
Besides the hotel's on-site restaurant, one of the best on the island, another spot for upscale dining is Eli’s, which also has delicious cocktails and ocean views.—
Kira Turnbull,
Travel + Leisure,
6 June 2026
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The Personal Blender includes two Tritan Renew blending cups and the ultra-durable Rapid Extractor Blade to make delicious smoothies and more.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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For dinner off the islet, the local fine dining scene is strong with options like Chef Duc’s Mango Rooms, and Mùa by Truc, which are all worth a visit.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
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There will also be a strong north to south longshore current.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Lemon Juice Method Like other acidic ingredients, lemon juice can help tackle mineral buildup and refresh the toilet bowl with a clean, citrus scent.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
2 June 2026
-
Club soda is another popular choice, especially for absorbing acidic stains like red wine.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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