1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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 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
After five years, the pungency of Greek oregano wanes but the plant can easily be propagated from shoot tip cuttings.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
The key is to saute the kimchi to concentrate its pungency — the more fermented the kimchi, the better.
—Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
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
After five years, the pungency of Greek oregano wanes but the plant can easily be propagated from shoot tip cuttings.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025
The key is to saute the kimchi to concentrate its pungency — the more fermented the kimchi, the better.
—Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
For example, maror, or bitter herbs, represent the bitterness of slavery.—
Lucia Cheng,
Des Moines Register,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The rest of the band joins in as Ayewa calls for the listener to look up to a world above war, bitterness, and division.—
Steve Donofrio,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Seasoned with a blend of soy, garlic, sesame and spice, the Ramyeon McShaker Fries are inspired by Rumi, Mira and Zoey's go-to noodle snack.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
A little kick from spices in the meats made the sandwich all the tastier.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Medical experts say if a rattlesnake bites, keep the area still, at or below heart level, do not apply ice, do not cut the wound, and do not suck out the venom – and seek help immediately.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Eat the elephant one bite at a time, Redd recommends.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 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
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But not only does this texture work, combined with the sharp sourdough tang of the crust, the effect is stunning.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Hunter Sauce is described as a sweet chili sauce with notes of chili, garlic and pepper, while Demon Sauce is a bold mustard sauce with heat and tang.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Because tea is high in nitrogen, mixing loose tea into your soil can improve its nitrogen and boost acidity levels.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The acidity of mayo reacts with the baking soda and encourages the cake to rise.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The addition of both bagna càuda and lemon zest transformed the simple white pie into a riot of umami.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Lime juice gives this rice bowl a summery zest while cayenne and jalapeño pepper add a nice kick.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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