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

Example 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 The pungent smoke rising above the burning apartment now looked like an innocent cloud. —

Teju Cole, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025 Sunday's potential Super Bowl preview between the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions is primed to showcase two of the NFL's most pungent offenses. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 In the culinary world, rosemary’s pungent, piney flavor with notes of citrus accompanies poultry dishes, stews, salads, cocktails, and more. —

Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024 Methyl isocyanate, a pungent, colorless and very flammable liquid used to produce pesticides, evaporates into a deadly gas almost instantly when exposed to air. —

Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pungent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent

Adjective

New Mexico emerged as the spiciest state, with 31.9 ounces per customer purchased on Instacart.

— Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
From creamy dips to spicy wings to pigs in a blanket, all of these festive recipes are sure to crowdpleasers.

— Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025