pungency

noun

ˈpən-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce pungency (audio)
Definition of pungencynext
1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs

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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

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 pungency Wasabi is known for its nasal-clearing pungency, exceeding that of any other condiment. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026 The Scherzo married sweetness and pungency. — Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Mar. 2026 Key Takeaways Capsaicin, the bioactive compound that gives chili peppers their pungency, can impact your gastrointestinal system and digestion. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026 The hard edges and pungency of a relatively cheap, unaged spirit were far less visible in the Viriato samples. — Christopher Null, Wired News, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
  1. bitterness
  2. spice
  3. bite
  4. piquancy
  5. edge
  6. tang
  7. acidity
  8. zest
Noun
  • Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butter flavor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Arugula’s natural bitterness kicks off digestion before the first bite, cueing saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes that help the body prepare to break down a meal.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • Miessein realized that people in search of fresh African and Caribbean foods, spices and other goods had to drive to Charlotte.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Tyler placed it between us with an elegant flourish; the steam carried the scent of glorious-secret spices.
    — Larry Padgett, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • The alternate versions certainly add extra bite, and a few outtakes could have made it to the main tracklist.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Pieces of fish are hand sliced to the ideal thickness and length, and beautifully adorned with garnishes that dazzle the eye and strategically heighten every bite.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • Those split levels of child and adult consciousness give the film a certain piquancy, a little gap where drama can spark in a story where almost nothing really happens except a kid takes a plane ride, or several plane rides, with his mom.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of piquancy
Noun
  • Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The eastern edge of the park is the north-south alley that serves businesses along Laramie.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • The pickled papaya salad on top lends the loveliest bit of sweet tang and a little crunch.
    — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • When fully deployed, the titanium lockbar moves directly behind the blade tang to establish lockup.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of tang
Noun
  • The mouthfeel is full bodied, and the finish is loaded with refreshing acidity that invites you in for another sip.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • These high-acidity juices can cause whey protein powder to coagulate and curdle.
    — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of acidity
Noun
  • Contreras’ zest for the game is evident from his home run celebrations.
    — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Those lists are mighty useful for publicists and for in-the-know travelers who love that zeitgeist zest – but, personally, my favorite bar of 2026 is an Irish pub in North London with a pool table, karaoke and 10 flavors of Baileys.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of zest

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pundits
pungency
pungent
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Cite this Entry

“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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