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 Scherzo married sweetness and pungency.
—
Steven Winn,
San Francisco Chronicle,
21 Mar. 2026
Key Takeaways Capsaicin, the bioactive compound that gives chili peppers their pungency, can impact your gastrointestinal system and digestion.
—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Steven Winn,
San Francisco Chronicle,
21 Mar. 2026
Key Takeaways Capsaicin, the bioactive compound that gives chili peppers their pungency, can impact your gastrointestinal system and digestion.
—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
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In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness.
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Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter.
Noun
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Peppers followed, along with a healthy sprinkling of spices.
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Leveraging years of experience developed at Brunello Cucinelli and Prada, the designer used a beautiful palette of colors, the hues reflecting the spices of each location, from nutmeg and cardamom to ginger, cinnamon and vanilla, and those of the Mediterranean Sea.
Noun
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The state averages about eight unprovoked bites each year, according to the FWC, which runs a statewide program to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.
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Keeping bug spray handy can help protect against annoying bites, while placing citronella candles around your yard or patio can keep pests at bay, especially once the sun sets.
Noun
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Those split levels of child and adult consciousness give the film a certain piquancy, a little gap where drama can spark in a story where almost nothing really happens except a kid takes a plane ride, or several plane rides, with his mom.
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That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.
Noun
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The Americans came out energized in the second half and a Berhalter banger from the edge of the penalty area tied it up 2-2 in the 49th minute.
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The Samurai Blue have the edge on shots, 2-1, but Sweden has the lone shot on target so far through 25 minutes.
Noun
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The drink is bubbly and crisp, with that familiar tang, reminiscent of apple cider vinegar, that’s common in most kombucha varieties.
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The tang of the sauce was eye-widening and immediate, crackling with the bright, citrusy charge of tomatillos and serrano chiles.
Noun
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Just like white vinegar, lemon juice has an acidity that can get rid of dullness affecting your whites.
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The extra time gives the wine enough breadth for tomato, cheese, shellfish and oil without losing the acidity that makes Santorini whites so useful at the table.
Noun
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In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, shallots, olive oil, parsley, dill, capers, basil, lemon zest and juice.
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Some gingerbread has been served with lemon sauce, or incorporated the zest of an orange or a little cocoa.
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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