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 satirical
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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Recent Examples of pungent
The bundle in the last bag was in the worst shape yet, riddled with rodent droppings and giving off a pungent odor.
—
Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
Certain stimuli, such as loud noises, flashing lights, or pungent odors, can trigger migraine attacks and result in sensory symptoms.
Medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary methods can help treat and prevent migraine attacks.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
Some of the jars contained garum, a pungent fish sauce that was common at the time.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
Flowers are violet in color and can be used as garnishes, while leaves can be chopped and served as pungent seasoning in the manner of scallions and garlic greens.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
Certain stimuli, such as loud noises, flashing lights, or pungent odors, can trigger migraine attacks and result in sensory symptoms.
Medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary methods can help treat and prevent migraine attacks.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
Some of the jars contained garum, a pungent fish sauce that was common at the time.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
Flowers are violet in color and can be used as garnishes, while leaves can be chopped and served as pungent seasoning in the manner of scallions and garlic greens.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool across seven days from the end of November looks particularly spicy.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
-
Its reposado is aged in American oak and prized for its creamy texture and gently spicy finish.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
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And to think, this pitiless conquistador came to North America as a humble kitchen herb, deliberately imported by European settlers for its piquant flavor.—
Zoë Lescaze,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Diners rave over the sour cabbage fish hot pot—hearty, tangy, and loaded with fish, tofu, and vegetables.—
Taryn White,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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With regards to mayo, forgo Hellmann’s and reach instead for a jar of Duke’s, a Southern staple and cult favorite that’s a little tangier than its competitor because it’s made with apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.—
Gretchen McKay,
Boston Herald,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
11 June 2025
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Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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It has been widely considered one of the most poignant tracks in Yungblud’s catalog to date.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
20 June 2025
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On June 18, The Baltimore Sun published a very moving and poignant editorial cartoon showing a picture of Minnesota with the state’s eastern border as the silhouette of a weeping Uncle Sam.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
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This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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His father, observing his children’s unconventional career choices, eventually developed his own sarcastic advice for parents.—
Omaid Homayun,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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Idiotic rich boy Bertie Wooster gets himself into some kind of sticky situation with another rich idiot, and his quietly sarcastic, above-it-all, genius butler Jeeves inevitably gets him out of it.—
Brian Boone,
Vulture,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Instead, start the day with a lavish breakfast buffet at La Sala, piled with delicious local specialties, fresh tropical fruits, and mouthwatering international favorites.—
Ashlee Marie Preston,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
In the French Quarter, The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton offer lush massages, facials, body scrubs, and mani/pedis, plus access to their swimming pool and hot tub for a delicious soak.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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