1
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
a pungent chili that is not for those with timid taste buds
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in satirical
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
a pungent put-down that she will not soon forget
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3
as in piquant
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a newspaper columnist known for his pungent observations on everyday life
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Recent Examples of pungent
Black Himalayan salt: This is the most common type of black salt, known for its pungent and savory flavor.
—
Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 Mar. 2025
These gastropods, the size of a Tic Tac, are wildly abundant on the mudflats of San Francisco Bay, and pungent too.
—Quanta Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Both Tokyo and Seoul blast riders with artificial freshness to make commuting a little less pungent.
—Susan Campos, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
The last of those features include ventilated compartments to keep everything in the right place and free of pungent odors.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 Mar. 2025
These gastropods, the size of a Tic Tac, are wildly abundant on the mudflats of San Francisco Bay, and pungent too.
—Quanta Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Both Tokyo and Seoul blast riders with artificial freshness to make commuting a little less pungent.
—Susan Campos, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
The last of those features include ventilated compartments to keep everything in the right place and free of pungent odors.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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The spicy salsa and tangy cucumber salad brought out the best of the tender birria.—
Jessica Boehm,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
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The finish is long and flavorful, with a lingering spicy aftertaste of cinnamon and clove notes.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The sauce is a piquant blend of tomato and vinegar that complements the pork shoulder.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Here, from the February 21, 1925, issue, are some particularly piquant reminders of shows past.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Pineapple casserole is the ultimate sweet-meets-savory dish, doubling as both a tangy side tish and a buttery dessert.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
28 Mar. 2025
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Sticky Honey-Soy Chicken Legs Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs glossed in a sticky honey mustard glaze strike the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and delightfully savory.—
Jennifer Hope Choi,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That’s the premise of Douglas Is Cancelled, a cruelly funny 2024 BBC sitcom that seems very much in sync with satiric comedies such as The Office and W1A and Yes Minister.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
22 Mar. 2025
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Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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However, what many fans do agree on is the power of how a middle-aged women's friendship group's narrative concluded—with a poignant realization on friendship and aging.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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This post contains details about the Yellowjackets, Season 3 episode ‘How the Story Ends’ As Yellowjackets fans mourn the Showtime series’ latest shocking death, the loss is especially poignant for the woman behind the team.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
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This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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Always down to gossip and party, Redmond exudes Gemini's energy through his zesty and sarcastic attitude.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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This is not just a sarcastic take but a practical one.—
Jaron Lanier,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
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Enjoy a delicious lunch, fabulous raffle and listen to New York TImes bestselling author Sarah Penner discuss her new book The Amalfi Curse.Visit www.libraryguildrsf.org or call 858-756-4780 to register.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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