pungent

adjective

ˈpən-jənt How to pronounce pungent (audio)
Definition of pungentnext
1
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
2
as in satiric
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
3
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 smells of pot smoke and someone else’s urine compete with the dank smell of the canal. — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 Black radishes have virtually black skin with a white inside and a taste more pungent than typical radishes. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2026 And since management changed a decade ago, Ortega, 59, said pungent smells on days the plant operates have prevented him from going outside or opening the windows. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Her signature noodle soup has none of the pungent, barnyardy aromas some associate with luosifen. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pungent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungent
  1. spicy
  2. satiric
  3. piquant
  4. tangy
  5. sarcastic
  6. delicious
  7. strong
  8. acidic
Adjective
  • Nightcap is a deliciously addictive gourmand, blending cozy vanilla and rich woods with sparkling ginger and cardamom for a spicy-sweet twist.
    — Allure Editors, Allure, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The dish is spicy enough and not so thick with cream or flour and is a standout in the clam chowder world, according to Times reader Mary Ann Mollenkamp.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • The extremely soapy, enjoyably satirical true-life drama chronicles love, rampant betrayal and a brazen murder plot through three decades of the iconic Gucci fashion house.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Film is an art form that ranges from the broadly entertaining to the sharply satirical and controversial.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • Sipping on the watermelon, calamansi, ginger agua fresca was just the right pairing with my boldly piquant dinner.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Placebo, loukoumi, kouglof, toda raba, Sharapova, tempura, cacao, platypus, shrub, castagnette, potato salada, potage piquant pékinois.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Definition of piquant
Adjective
  • In this preparation, they’re topped with a crunchy and tangy chow chow, a vinegary Southern relish of pickled vegetables.
    — Ryan McCarthy, Saveur, 2 Sep. 2026
  • It’s served with their signature cilantro aioli, creating the perfect balance of creamy yuca, crispy smoky bacon, and tangy sauce.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tangy
Adjective
  • Roberts corrected himself after an impressive dive from Komander, who received a loud, sarcastic pop.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • Known for its sumptuous cuisine and delicious desserts, Italy has tourists lining up for gelato all over the peninsula.
    — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Black Pepper Candied Bacon Fogo de Chão/MANNY RODRIGUEZ At Fogo de Chão, this delicious bacon dish is oven roasted with brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of delicious
Adjective
  • Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • Thanks to its acidic nature, vinegar helps neutralize odor-causing compounds instead of covering them up.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • One day, Cole paged through an album whose acidic glues caused her particular anguish.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of acidic

Browse Nearby Words

pungency
pungent
pungled (up)
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungent. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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