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
-
Featuring bright, citrusy flavors and rich spices, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable meal.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
21 Mar. 2025
-
They’re marinated in a flavorful mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and aromatic spices like oregano, marjoram, and smoked paprika.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Mar. 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 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
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Underlying these advances are robust AI infrastructures, such as Stargate and the AI RAN Alliance, which enhance edge computing capabilities.—
Cathy Hackl,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
In addition, the Pentagon's future stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, will have many of the same cutting edge technologies in advanced materials, AI, propulsion and stealth.—
TARA COPP THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
arkansasonline.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The meat had crispy edges and pickles added a perfect tang.—
Brianna Taylor,
Sacramento Bee,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Although non-vintage, this is actually a blend of seven different vintages to add complexity and pleasing acidity.—
John Mariani,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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This recipe relies heavily on the freshness and acidity of lime juice, accented with only a touch of sweetness from orange liqueur.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The lid remains fixed and firm, and Marion’s enthusiasm and zest to achieve has also defined the program in short order.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacramento Bee,
21 Mar. 2025
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Lemon zest: Adds a brightness to the scone and helps enhance the natural flavor of the blueberries.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 2025.
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