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 benzoquinones in those secretions are pungent to parasites and mosquitoes, and lemurs sometimes also ingest small amounts, suggesting a mix of topical repellent and internal deworming.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
The pungent smell of weed pervaded the arena as YoungBoy performed an eclectic set, showcasing the breadth of songs in his catalog.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
By definition, herbs are the pungent leafy portions of certain plants, while spices are derived from seeds, fruits, flowers, or roots.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
This is the most common type of black salt, known for its pungent and savory flavor.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
The pungent smell of weed pervaded the arena as YoungBoy performed an eclectic set, showcasing the breadth of songs in his catalog.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
By definition, herbs are the pungent leafy portions of certain plants, while spices are derived from seeds, fruits, flowers, or roots.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
This is the most common type of black salt, known for its pungent and savory flavor.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
-
Eragon has a different approach altogether with its spicy amber profile.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Dishes include banana bread pudding or spinach frittata with goat's cheese for breakfast and pork shoulder with figs, or Orecchiette with spicy vodka sauce for lunch and dinner.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Perhaps the biggest pop culture development regarding Cheney's life, however, came in 2018, when Adam McKay helmed the satirical biographical film Vice using inspiration from the political figure and those around him.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Girl Dinner is a satirical novel about a college sophomore, Nina, and professor, Sloane, who become involved with an infamous sorority known as The House.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Try the Mezzrole, a piquant blend of French limes, Pickett’s spicy-sweet ginger syrup, and tart rice vinegar that finishes with notes of sea salt.—
Chala June,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Oct. 2025
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The spicy Korean burger is for the more adventurous among us, but the piquant pickled slaw on top is super addictive.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Love, give me lips and noses, skin parting tangy skin.—
Carson Colenbaugh,
The Atlantic,
9 Nov. 2025
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Each bite is savory and tangy, with a subtle kick of heat from pickled jalapeños.—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
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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Some even suggested delicious baking uses for the new treats.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Includes gardening tips to grow perfect perennials and chiles for every palate, plus articles on delicious Ukrainian food dishes and Christmas family traditions, banana recipe contest winners and practical life advice.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Nov. 2025
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But despite strong technical progress, widespread adoption remains challenging due to cost, infrastructure demands, and limited technological maturity.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Swap apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice for a different acidic punch.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
3 Nov. 2025
-
But in cheeses with a pH of 5 or lower (more acidic), no virus was found.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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