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
The last is a raicilla with a pungent nose and a fruity, funky flavor.
—
M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, 28 Apr. 2026
Like other alliums, their strong, pungent scent and flavor help deter rabbits from munching.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
Texture and taste of black garlic While raw garlic has a sharp, pungent taste, black garlic typically has a milder, slightly sweet taste.
—Mavra Javed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
However, much to the dismay of Friends’ character Phoebe Buffay (and her infamous song lyrics), litter boxes and hairballs tell a different, much more pungent story.
—Kayla Blanton, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pungent
M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, 28 Apr. 2026
Like other alliums, their strong, pungent scent and flavor help deter rabbits from munching.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
Texture and taste of black garlic While raw garlic has a sharp, pungent taste, black garlic typically has a milder, slightly sweet taste.
—Mavra Javed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
However, much to the dismay of Friends’ character Phoebe Buffay (and her infamous song lyrics), litter boxes and hairballs tell a different, much more pungent story.
—Kayla Blanton, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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The company makes pickles in flavors such as hot, half-sour and sweet and spicy.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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It’s finished in a spicy-sweet sauce that would make a rubber tire taste good.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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My satiric letter advised parents to teach their children to settle disputes with hockey sticks, like their favorite hockey players.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
3 May 2026
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The satirical news outlet sought approval of the InfoWars deal Thursday, but an emergency motion filed by Jones’ lawyers was approved by the Texas Third Court of Appeals, the Associated Press reports, with a hearing set for May 28.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Red cabbage, carrots and Tuscan kale form the base, bound together with a piquant balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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It’s made from a simple family recipe containing only finely ground meat in a dark red, tangy sauce.—
George Motz,
Southern Living,
6 May 2026
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Breads and dips rotate at every meal, too—ezay, a ubiquitous Bhutanese chili condiment made with tangy local tree tomatoes, was especially memorable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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In addition to Miranda's scathing remarks to Andy (Anne Hathaway) while trying to complete seemingly impossible tasks, Emily (Emily Blunt) and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) taught her how to navigate office politics with their own sarcastic comments.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
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Middle of Nowhere’s Kacey is witty, a bit sarcastic, alternately ecstatic and frustrated but always ready to entertain.—
Molly Mary O’Brien,
Pitchfork,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Take care not to overmix; keeping some larger pieces of tuna in the mix ensures a more satisfying texture, rather than something closer to tuna salad (delicious, just not the goal here).—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 May 2026
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Le Petit Paris Counter-service breakfast and lunch orders get the French touch at this delicious bakery and cafe in an Atlantic Beach strip mall.—
Terry Ward,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Set one clear boundary today and confirm expectations so your commitments stay strong and manageable.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Avoid using vinegar and other acidic cleaners to clean glass doors in showers with natural stone because the acidity can etch or damage the finish.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
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Sodium bisulfate is an acidic salt often used to lower pH in swimming pools, spas and industrial water systems, and is also used in metal finishing, food processing, cleaning products and sanitizing.—
Kris Habermehl,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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