PUNGENT Synonyms: 179 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'pungent' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pungent are piquant , poignant , and racy . While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors. // a cheese with a pungent odor

Q: When might 'piquant' be a better fit than 'pungent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pungent , piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency. // a piquant sauce

Q: When could 'poignant' be used to replace 'pungent'?

The words poignant and pungent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions. // felt a poignant sense of loss

Q: When can 'racy' be used instead of 'pungent'?

While the synonyms racy and pungent are close in meaning, racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired. // spontaneous, racy prose

pungent

adjective

ˈpən-jənt

Definition of pungent next

as in spicy

having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor a pungent chili that is not for those with timid taste buds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in piquant

sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses a newspaper columnist known for his pungent observations on everyday life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pungent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pungent are piquant, poignant, and racy. While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

When might piquant be a better fit than pungent?

While in some cases nearly identical to pungent, piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency.

a piquant sauce

When could poignant be used to replace pungent?

The words poignant and pungent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

When can racy be used instead of pungent?

While the synonyms racy and pungent are close in meaning, racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pungent In the herb's fresh form, bay leaves taste bitter and pungent, but when dried, the herb has a more aromatic flavor, similar to thyme and oregano. —

Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 Plant of the Month: Corpse Lily The largest flower on the planet—a gigantic, pungent parasite—reveals deep genetic mysteries and unique conservation challenges. —

JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024 And while other hand sanitizers have a strong, often pungent smell, this one smells like an upscale eau de parfum. —

Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 The troopers had detected a pungent odor, and shortly after, the group stumbled upon the body. —

Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pungent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent

Adjective

Bright and fruity with plenty of herbs and juniper essence and an almost spicy zip on the palate.

Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
North Carolina has its own hot and spicy chicken, made famous at a restaurant in Salisbury.

Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024