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
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
Leaving the pulp and skin in place give black peppercorns their pungency as opposed to white pepper, whose surrounding pulp and skins have been removed, imparting a milder flavor to this spice.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for 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
Leaving the pulp and skin in place give black peppercorns their pungency as opposed to white pepper, whose surrounding pulp and skins have been removed, imparting a milder flavor to this spice.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
-
Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois Chicken Salad This chicken salad with cabbage, radicchio and a nutty dressing from chef Wolfgang Puck is a celebration of texture and boasts a balance of acidity, spice and sweetness.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2025
-
Could any foods or spices interact with my medications?—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
As stories of love, loss and migration unfold over small bites and careful sips, Bose paints a portrait of identity steeped in sensory memory.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
7 June 2025
-
What Davies has thus far brought to his second bite of the Who apple has proven … mixed.—
Glen Weldon,
NPR,
7 June 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
-
In a Venezuelan election, running as an incumbent gives you the sort of edge that any unscrupulous and power-hungry leader around the world can only fantasize about.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
-
This creates a competitive vulnerability, especially in algorithmic trading, where uniqueness can deliver billions in edge.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Orange, grapefruit, or pineapple juice can provide a similar tang, but with a bit more sweetness.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
-
The new residents include clownfish, cownose stingrays and unicorn tangs, LEGOLAND Florida said in a news release.—
USA TODAY Network Staff,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
The altitude of the vineyard contributes to large swings in day-to-night temperatures, which aid in maintaining freshness and acidity in the grapes.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
12 June 2025
-
Dosing depends on the product and its acidity concentration, which usually ranges from 4% to 8%.1 Read the label or talk with a healthcare provider to decide on the best dose.—
Nick Blackmer,
Health,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
The palate unfolds with a rich fruitcake and cigar, brightened by orange zest and baking spices, leading to a warming finish.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
These sweet, tart treats get a dash of sugar to top off the crust, a sprinkle of orange zest, and loads of strawberry and rhubarb inside—all within a crusted pie that’s about the size of a muffin.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
To drive home the pain and poignancy of that, the album cover featured a photo of Jeffreys as a child dressed in his baseball uniform to attend the historic game in which Jackie Robinson broke the color line.—
Jim Farber,
Rolling Stone,
5 June 2025
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The movie’s poignancy accumulates gradually, every supple turn expertly modulated as the presence of generations past becomes more tangible.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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