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
Most industry observers will recognize the pungent whiff of AI that YouTube’s algorithm lifts under the nose, but for some, the movie commercials can be indiscernible from the real deal.
—
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
The result was a substance with a pungent smell — an odorizer that wiped out an offending odor by creating one that was arguably even worse (think: chlorine, but several times stronger).
—Jacob Bernstein, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The air was still, bracing; pungent with the smell of pine.
—Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025
Black pepper, clove, and cinnamon aromas are common, making the nose of high-rye bourbons more aromatic and pungent than their low-rye counterparts.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
The result was a substance with a pungent smell — an odorizer that wiped out an offending odor by creating one that was arguably even worse (think: chlorine, but several times stronger).
—Jacob Bernstein, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The air was still, bracing; pungent with the smell of pine.
—Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025
Black pepper, clove, and cinnamon aromas are common, making the nose of high-rye bourbons more aromatic and pungent than their low-rye counterparts.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
Adjective
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The finish is long and flavorful, with a lingering spicy aftertaste of cinnamon and clove notes.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The spicy salsa and tangy cucumber salad brought out the best of the tender birria.—
Jessica Boehm,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The sauce is a piquant blend of tomato and vinegar that complements the pork shoulder.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Pineapple casserole is the ultimate sweet-meets-savory dish, doubling as both a tangy side tish and a buttery dessert.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
28 Mar. 2025
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Sticky Honey-Soy Chicken Legs Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs glossed in a sticky honey mustard glaze strike the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and delightfully savory.—
Jennifer Hope Choi,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That’s the premise of Douglas Is Cancelled, a cruelly funny 2024 BBC sitcom that seems very much in sync with satiric comedies such as The Office and W1A and Yes Minister.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
22 Mar. 2025
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Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This post contains details about the Yellowjackets, Season 3 episode ‘How the Story Ends’ As Yellowjackets fans mourn the Showtime series’ latest shocking death, the loss is especially poignant for the woman behind the team.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
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However, what many fans do agree on is the power of how a middle-aged women's friendship group's narrative concluded—with a poignant realization on friendship and aging.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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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Emmy-nominated for the role the first time out, Ramsey is genius in it, the perfect amounts of precocious, sarcastic, and wide-eyedly vulnerable.—
Zing Tsjeng,
Vogue,
11 Apr. 2025
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What about someone who posts a meme that is satirical or a comment that is meant to be sarcastic?—
Peter Suciu,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
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Spring Café For healthier–yet still delicious—fare, head to Spring Café for lunch.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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