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
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Or consider tossing your rice in a sweet spice blend, such as cinnamon-sugar or chai, and shower it over a Honey Fruit Salad or Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2025
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For example, Madagascar accounts for more than three-quarters of U.S. imports of vanilla, which is already the second-most expensive spice in the world.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The fight ends with Shauna taking a bite out of Melissa’s arm, pinning her down and demanding Melissa eat her own flesh.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Mar. 2025
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The site of the leech bite was treated, and the farmer was given iron supplements to take for a month to manage his anemia, doctors said.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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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
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The key to its flavor is a balance of sweet, spice, piquancy and heat, which creates a balanced and addictive bite.—
Lynda Balslev,
The Mercury News,
17 June 2024
Noun
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According to Nobel prize-winning economist, Eugene Fama, smaller companies and cheaper companies tend to have an edge over larger, more expensive companies over time.—
Cicely Jones,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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The brass hardware gives it a hint of an edge to balance out the rustic wood, while the scalloped details on the doors adds some whimsy to the mix.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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If Dan Burn’s goal and elevation to the England squad became the individual story of the weekend and Isak’s goal carried a tang of inevitability — so good, so unstoppable — then Newcastle’s midfield felt like the crux of it.—
George Caulkin,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
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The meat had crispy edges and pickles added a perfect tang.—
Brianna Taylor,
Sacramento Bee,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Stomach acidity and poor digestion Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase gastric acidity.—
Veronica Cristino,
Vogue,
30 Mar. 2025
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Check the soil acidity of all home lawns; adjust the pH if needed.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This zester is used more like a peeler, scraping along the surface of the citrus or other food items and removing strips of zest.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2025
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In large bowl, mix brown sugar, shortening, lemon zest and egg until well combined.—
Gretchen McKay,
Boston Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There will be a similar poignancy this year for the 50th anniversary of the ‘75 pennant team, which will be incomplete without Luis Tiant, who passed away last October.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
23 Mar. 2025
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The pair channel a believable chemistry as father and daughter that lands the emotional poignancy of a penultimate scene.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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