pungency

noun

pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən(t)-sē 

: the quality or state of being pungent

Synonyms

• acerbity
• acidity
• acidness
• acridity
• acridness
• acrimoniousness
• acrimony
• acuteness
• asperity
• bite
• bitterness
• edge
• harshness
• keenness
• poignance
• poignancy
• roughness
• sharpness
• tartness

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

Paneer just has this wonderful, gentle expression of milky dairy richness, but without much pungency to it. —Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025

After five years, the pungency of Greek oregano wanes but the plant can easily be propagated from shoot tip cuttings. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025

The key is to saute the kimchi to concentrate its pungency — the more fermented the kimchi, the better. —Iris Kim, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024

One of those is to impart bite: Sour-style cocktails need acid, and most of the Western world defaults to citrus thanks to its affordability, ample pungency, and mild flavor. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pungency

noun

pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən-sē 

: the quality or state of being pungent

Medical Definition

pungency

noun

pun·​gen·​cy ˈpən-jən-sē 

plural pungencies

: the quality or state of being pungent