1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spice
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses
theatergoers have long delighted in the pungency and wit of the play's dialogue
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungency
The hard edges and pungency of a relatively cheap, unaged spirit were far less visible in the Viriato samples.
—
Christopher Null, Wired News, 11 Nov. 2025
This historic two-game parlay of pungency followed up a classic, a double-overtime loss to Oregon, back when Franklin’s inability to beat high-ranking opponents was his biggest problem.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Paneer just has this wonderful, gentle expression of milky dairy richness, but without much pungency to it.
—Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Christopher Null, Wired News, 11 Nov. 2025
This historic two-game parlay of pungency followed up a classic, a double-overtime loss to Oregon, back when Franklin’s inability to beat high-ranking opponents was his biggest problem.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Paneer just has this wonderful, gentle expression of milky dairy richness, but without much pungency to it.
—Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
The state said Hollis was wrong for harboring bitterness toward him.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to the scallions, half a cup of whole parsley leaves adds a grassy depth and pleasant bitterness to this salad.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The reward is a rural landscape dotted with rice paddies and spice plantations, ancient Hindu temples and Roman Catholic churches, under-the-radar heritage hotels, and avant-garde restaurants.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The palate is a whirlwind of flavors, ranging from soft baking spice to floral incense to assertive oaky tannins to sweet vanilla.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two Boys Fighting Over a Bladder (circa 1767–1770) suggests that the latter view has bite.—
Julian Bell,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The wing’s bark pairs with plenty of bite.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
And a jicama salad is my personal favorite, balancing heat in piquancy and chill in temperature.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
On the eastern edge of the state, Sioux Falls is best known for Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River spills over wide stretches of pink quartzite rock.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The rich buttermilk ranch dressing is brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest, which balances the tang of buttermilk and sour cream with the savory herb notes of chives and basil.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The thick, glossy coating is a perfect mix of sweet (honey), spicy (red pepper and fresh ginger), tang (vinegar) and umami (fish sauce).—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Frosting doesn’t have to be so sweet Introducing an element of acidity can do wonders in taming frosting’s inherent sweetness.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The filling consists of flaked salmon mixed with sriracha, plus a pickled daikon for crunch and acidity.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Your laugh, your kindness, your wit, your strength, your loyalty, your passion and your zest for life.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
This is a bright but intense whisky, with notes of tropical fruit like mango and pineapple, vanilla, butterscotch, almonds, and a hint of lemon zest on the palate.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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