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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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
The air was thick with both anticipation and a pungent smell as visitors flocked to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden last weekend for a chance to see a rare flower bloom.
—
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025
The 2013 is a rich, intense, almost brooding wine that begs for hearty stews or (and) pungent mature cheeses.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Does that mean colloidal sulfur doesn’t smell quite as pungent as the raw element, then?
—Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025
Mustard greens Most commonly verdant green but also available in deep reddish-purple or a combination of the two, mustard greens are pungent and spicy — just as their name implies.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025
The 2013 is a rich, intense, almost brooding wine that begs for hearty stews or (and) pungent mature cheeses.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Does that mean colloidal sulfur doesn’t smell quite as pungent as the raw element, then?
—Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025
Mustard greens Most commonly verdant green but also available in deep reddish-purple or a combination of the two, mustard greens are pungent and spicy — just as their name implies.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
-
These wines are big, bold, and spicy, often with rich blackberry and dark chocolate flavors.—
Emily Price,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Grounded by spicy fennel and velvety musks, this unisex cologne boasts impressively long wear, yet is refreshing and light enough to wear on a super humid day.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Here, from the February 21, 1925, issue, are some particularly piquant reminders of shows past.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Their piquant sensitivity and horror have no equal in Millennial literature and journalism, which have become merely, rabidly politicized — so very socialist and anti-American that today’s media throws its hands up at the L.A. conflagration.—
Armond White,
National Review,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Greek yogurt is tangier than cottage cheese, which has a milder but saltier taste.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
4 Mar. 2025
-
With its subtle cherry flavor, the foam adds just the right amount of fruitiness to the chai base, resulting in a refreshingly tangy and sweet drink.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As of March 4, the landing page is topped by the company's poignant crest (which includes a tribute to Prince Harry) with As ever in script and photos of the products that will be available for sale.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The Emilia Pérez actress, 46, began her poignant speech by repeatedly calling out for her mother, who was seated in the audience at Sunday’s event.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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
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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
Adjective
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While Lucie is warm, vivacious, and a ray of light that shines off the page, Aiden is a grumpy, reluctant romantic who hides behind sarcastic quips.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
27 Feb. 2025
-
For instance, a sarcastic comment brushed off as a joke, or unspoken expectations that fuel resentment.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Get The Recipe 11 of 32 Frozen Lemonade Pie Transform lackluster lemonade concentrate into a delicious frozen treat with this no-bake recipe.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Enjoy a leisurely swim in the Caribbean Sea before sitting down for lunch at one of the many beachside restaurants serving delicious Creole food, sandwiches on fresh baguettes, excellent crêpes, and a dizzying variety of ice creams.—
Martinique Tourism Authority,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to pungent
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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