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
-
The wine exhibits blackberry, plum, and a hint of spice with a smooth, polished finish.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Turmeric Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star renowned for its Belle Époque grandeur, welcomed VIP Summit guests to a hospitality oasis in the lavish Prince Rainier III Suite filled with Louis XIII pours, small bites and exquisite city views.—
Forbes Travel Guide,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
For a limited time, orders of any breakfast sandwich, breakfast wrap, egg bites, bakes, lunch sandwiches or pockets will come with a free packet of Truff Original or Jalapeño Lime Hot Sauce.—
Erin Clements,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
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While there are pops of piquancy in Landon’s script, her direction and the performances (with the exception of Woodard) fail to inspire much more than a shrug.—
Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2024
Noun
-
Using heritage milling techniques, the Candiani fabrics were made on old-school shuttle looms, a time-intensive process that yields long-lasting denim finished with selvedge’s classic self-edge.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Resolution on Joey Bosa, the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who is mulling interest from Miami.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Immediately, your tongue is filled with a sweet-and-sour tang.—
Gayoung Lee,
Scientific American,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Two successive home losses have carried the stale tang of a side in need of a refresh and a veering between extremes.—
George Caulkin,
The Athletic,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The wine features grapefruit, kiwi, and lemongrass with refreshing acidity and a clean finish.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
-
The Aussie style is typically bone-dry with rapier-sharp acidity, chalk-dust texture, and delicate citrus and floral flavors.—
Christina Pickard,
Bon Appétit,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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On the nose, citrus and herbal notes emerge, with hints of grapefruit zest and lemongrass.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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According to chef Jimmy Wang, executive director of product innovation and development at Panda Express, the Pasadena Panda Inn bumped up the citrus with both orange zest and peel in the new recipe.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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If anything, that fact gives the film extra poignancy. 8.—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2025
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The intimate, poetic text makes each moment feel authentic, and the painterly artwork balances poignancy and playfulness.—
Travis Jonker,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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