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 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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 flapjack was fluffy, the taters were crunchy and buttery, the chorizo had a spicy kick, and the pungent sourdough bread crunched.
—
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
According to a Newsweek report on a YouGov poll, more than 80% of Americans consider disruptive behaviors—such as letting children play in the aisles, or eating pungent food—to be unacceptable.
—Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Sour Diesel with Spicy Foods Sour Diesel, a sativa-dominant strain known for its pungent, diesel-like aroma and energizing effects, pairs exceptionally well with spicy foods.
—Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025
These large, flashy flowers—also known as titan arum—are famous for producing a pungent odor that stinks like rotting flesh.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
According to a Newsweek report on a YouGov poll, more than 80% of Americans consider disruptive behaviors—such as letting children play in the aisles, or eating pungent food—to be unacceptable.
—Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Sour Diesel with Spicy Foods Sour Diesel, a sativa-dominant strain known for its pungent, diesel-like aroma and energizing effects, pairs exceptionally well with spicy foods.
—Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025
These large, flashy flowers—also known as titan arum—are famous for producing a pungent odor that stinks like rotting flesh.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave.—
Laurie Ochoa,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Guests enjoyed small bites of briny mussels filled with Bluefin tuna, piquant gochujang sardine toasts, and an elegant Korean beef tartare.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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But the vernacular and ahistorical images are what give the show its rich, tangy flavor.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
24 May 2025
-
Creamy, silky, tangy or spicy green sauces tend to work with any combination of herbs.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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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
-
All Systems Red is a legible introduction to Wells’ hyper-capitalist, playfully satiric galaxy.—
Rory Doherty,
Time,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Hired as a live-in caretaker in the opulent home, Ana Maria (Jenny Navarrete), a pregnant Colombian immigrant in Panama City hiding a major secret, develops a genuine bond with the initially standoffish Mechi, making for an unassumingly poignant and superbly acted two-hander.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
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Attendees can learn more about the late first lady’s passion work as an advocate for the environment and her passion for wildflowers during this poignant, humorous portrayal by Goddard, an actress and historian.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
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The vibe, never exactly cheerful, and never leavened by a hint of even the most sarcastic sense of humor, takes a turn for the horrific one evening in the wake of the bawdy revels celebrating Tomek’s wedding.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Fried rice is delicious on its own, but a block of extra-firm tofu can make this dish significantly more substantial and filling.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
30 May 2025
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My favorite way to use it up is by making zucchini butter—a luscious, versatile spread that is just as delicious on sandwiches as it is tossed with pasta.—
Kendra Vaculin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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