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
One of those is to impart bite: Sour-style cocktails need acid, and most of the Western world defaults to citrus thanks to its affordability, ample pungency, and mild flavor.
—
Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
Not long ago, the residents of Gowanus, in Brooklyn, began to notice that the smell of their canal, known for its unpleasant odor since the Gilded Age, had reached a new level of pungency.
—Jake Offenhartz, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024
Rich, intense, and kissed with the signature pungency of blue cheese, there is nothing quite like a cut of dry-aged beef.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 30 July 2024
The bread’s soft, moist textures contrast with the tiny crunches of cacao nibs, ending with perfect pungency from black cardamom.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
Not long ago, the residents of Gowanus, in Brooklyn, began to notice that the smell of their canal, known for its unpleasant odor since the Gilded Age, had reached a new level of pungency.
—Jake Offenhartz, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024
Rich, intense, and kissed with the signature pungency of blue cheese, there is nothing quite like a cut of dry-aged beef.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 30 July 2024
The bread’s soft, moist textures contrast with the tiny crunches of cacao nibs, ending with perfect pungency from black cardamom.
—Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Instead of salt and sugar, try adding flavor to your meals with herbs, spices, vinegar, olive oil, citrus, garlic, and other seasonings.—
Brittany Poulson,
Verywell Health,
21 July 2025
-
Leave room too for the warm umami spice blend of Ethiopia’s timatim, served with spongy injera flatbread.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
In his college days, Quintero would frequent La Jolla Village and The Shores, usually to grab a bite to eat or visit Warwick’s bookstore.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
-
The secret to this fantastic recipe is pockets of bursting, gooey cheese in every bite.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
The most notable part of this gag was not the joke itself, a standard late-night quip delivered with appropriate piquancy.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The most notable part of this gag was not the joke itself, a standard late-night quip delivered with appropriate piquancy.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
There, leaning against the edge of his desk, dressed in his trademark grey suit, is the first-ever Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Pearl Cove Beach Club Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
The final dish is finished with fresh herbs for brightness and more peppers for that unmistakable tang.—
Mary Claire Britton,
Southern Living,
8 July 2025
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There’s a light tang in the sauce, great flavor in the cheese and a harmony among ingredients that shows real intention behind the food.—
Tristan Graziano,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Medium-bodied, with lovely freshness, very good acidity, textbook varietal purity and good persistence.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
This allows their crisp acidity and refreshing nature to really shine through.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Beat together condensed milk, mascarpone, lime zest, and remaining 1/2 cup juice in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-low speed until well combined and no lumps remain, about 1 minute.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
23 July 2025
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The finish is long and refreshing with lingering notes of tropical fruits and citrus zest.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Billy Joel's documentary digs deep into past with poignancy – but he's 'not finished yet' Culture Club film delves into history filled with drama, Boy George, love and drugs ‘Walk of Fame’ The most compelling track on an album full of soaring choruses now has an equally absorbing video.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
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What lends a special poignancy to the story are the chapters narrated by Paige, reflecting deep regret for her life’s mistakes.—
Sarah Lyall,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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