pungency

noun

ˈpən-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
Definition of pungencynext
1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pungency The dressing, based on nuoc cham, a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce, has just enough fish sauce to give it depth and pungency without overpowering the brightness of the lime. — Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 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 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 Scallion Oil Noodles Scallion oil noodles, a specialty of Shanghai and the greater Jiangnan region in eastern China, showcase the allium sweetness and mellow pungency of one of the most versatile aromatics in Chinese cuisine. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
  1. bitterness
  2. spice
  3. bite
  4. piquancy
  5. edge
  6. tang
  7. acidity
  8. zest
Noun
  • In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • The word entered English during British rule in India and was later extended to mean a hot alcoholic drink, especially one mixed with spirits, hot water, sugar, and spices.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Chili powder, cumin, and cayenne give it the signature chili spice (leave out the cayenne for a milder version) while Worcestershire and tomato sauce provide savoriness.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • At a charge, guests may also book a cute Patina Osaka wagon, packed with chairs, cuddly blankets, bites, and drinks for a bucolic picnic in the park.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • The reception reportedly offered multiple bars and food stations, which featured bites such as sushi and Italian cuisine.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • 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.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of piquancy
Noun
  • The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • The drink is bubbly and crisp, with that familiar tang, reminiscent of apple cider vinegar, that’s common in most kombucha varieties.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • The tang of the sauce was eye-widening and immediate, crackling with the bright, citrusy charge of tomatillos and serrano chiles.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of tang
Noun
  • Just like white vinegar, lemon juice has an acidity that can get rid of dullness affecting your whites.
    — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of acidity
Noun
  • In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, shallots, olive oil, parsley, dill, capers, basil, lemon zest and juice.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Some gingerbread has been served with lemon sauce, or incorporated the zest of an orange or a little cocoa.
    — Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
Definition of zest

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pungency
pungent
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of pungency for Spanish Speakers

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