pungency

noun

pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
Synonyms of pungencynext
: the quality or state of being pungent

Synonyms of pungency

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Examples of pungency in a Sentence

the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs theatergoers have long delighted in the pungency and wit of the play's dialogue
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wasabi is known for its nasal-clearing pungency, exceeding that of any other condiment. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026 Red onion adds pungency while a couple of tablespoons of fresh, feathery dill bring a cooling, fragrant burst of freshness to the dish. — Martha Stewart, 15 May 2026 The Scherzo married sweetness and pungency. — Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Mar. 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 See All Example Sentences for pungency

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pungency was in 1649

Browse Nearby Words

pungence
pungency
pungent
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Cite this Entry

“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pungency. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pungency

noun
pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
: the quality or state of being pungent

Medical Definition

pungency

noun
pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
plural pungencies
: the quality or state of being pungent

More from Merriam-Webster on pungency

Nglish: Translation of pungency for Spanish Speakers

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