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
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pungent
Curly garlic scapes, purple kohlrabi, pungent spring ramps, Jimmy Nardello peppers, and heritage varieties of tomatoes and apples now stack high in market stalls—along with more types of kale than most of us knew existed.
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Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
8 June 2026
Surrendering to a relaxing massage with a pungent herbal oil—one treatment among many of Sisley’s top-notch line of Phyto-aromatic beauty products—was in perfect sync with the luxe countryside spirit.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Fans, and perhaps everyone else at this point, might recall that Charli was also absent from the cover of brat, which consisted of the word in black lettering over a pungent green background.
—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
1 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
8 June 2026
Surrendering to a relaxing massage with a pungent herbal oil—one treatment among many of Sisley’s top-notch line of Phyto-aromatic beauty products—was in perfect sync with the luxe countryside spirit.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Fans, and perhaps everyone else at this point, might recall that Charli was also absent from the cover of brat, which consisted of the word in black lettering over a pungent green background.
—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
1 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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Wild Arugula While standard arugula may be part of many reasonably priced salad mixes, the deliciously spicy, dainty wild arugula fetches premium prices of $4 to $6 for a 5-ounce bunch.
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Modales leans into cold-hardy grapes varieties like blaufränkisch, the spicy Austrian red variety that has become a favorite by-the-glass pour at Ox Bar.
Adjective
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Since premiering in 2014, the satirical news program has earned 32 Emmy Awards, including program and writing wins for 10 consecutive years at the Primetime Emmy Awards, along with multiple Peabody, GLAAD, Writers Guild and Producers Guild honors.
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On Tuesday, protesters were asked to bring diapers and write demands for Pradhan’s resignation on them – a satirical swipe at the government’s inability to stop exam leaks, Dipke said.
Adjective
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When prepared with skill, shrimp can be tender and sweet, perfect for dipping in tangy, piquant cocktail sauce.
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The piquant dish is lacquered with strawberry-guajillo barbecue sauce, while a punchy coleslaw with Fresno chile vinaigrette rounds things out.
Adjective
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Creamy and tangy with just the right amount of crunch, Martha's macaroni salad recipe is a classic for good reason.
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Our favorite part of this recipe is the tangy buttermilk ranch dressing.
Adjective
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Conversely, Charles Johnson expressed irate objections, and Renato Moicano offered sarcastic remarks.
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There’s the yellow, blue-nosed beaver Norb (Nick Bakay) — witty, sophisticated, sarcastic, and opinionated.
Adjective
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Cherry trees showcase beautiful blooms in the spring and produce delicious fruit in late spring and early summer.
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The spinach and feta pastry was delicious, salty enough from the cheese filling and not too heavy.
Adjective
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Projections varied in the weeks leading up to the draft with no real consensus among draft analysts, but in the last 24 hours there were strong indications the Clippers would choose Wagler and the Nets would take Brown.
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Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
Adjective
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Some require extreme heat or highly acidic conditions.
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Blooming from late spring to summer and growing well in USDA Zones 7 to 11, gardenias prefer bright, indirect light, acidic, consistently moist soil, and regular feeding with an acidic fertilizer.
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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