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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of pungency
The bread’s soft, moist textures contrast with the tiny crunches of cacao nibs, ending with perfect pungency from black cardamom.
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Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
Leaving the pulp and skin in place give black peppercorns their pungency as opposed to white pepper, whose surrounding pulp and skins have been removed, imparting a milder flavor to this spice.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
Shallot: Offers allium punch, Black pepper: Brings bright pungency and a bit of heat.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2024
Extra Limey Guacamole This guacamole packs a punch of zesty lime that not only eases the pungency of the raw red onions but also keeps the dip bright green well after half-time ... if there is any left.
—Sarah Mosqueda, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pungency 
Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
Leaving the pulp and skin in place give black peppercorns their pungency as opposed to white pepper, whose surrounding pulp and skins have been removed, imparting a milder flavor to this spice.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
Shallot: Offers allium punch, Black pepper: Brings bright pungency and a bit of heat.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2024
Extra Limey Guacamole This guacamole packs a punch of zesty lime that not only eases the pungency of the raw red onions but also keeps the dip bright green well after half-time ... if there is any left.
—Sarah Mosqueda, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pungency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pungency
Noun
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The palate exhibits cinnamon waffle cone, caramel apple, orange, peach, lovely rye spice, and vibrant mint.Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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Mixed with spices or other seasonings like gochujang, bouillon paste becomes an instant, lusty glaze for chicken breasts, Halloumi cheese, or cross-hatched eggplants, ready to sear in a pan or char under the broiler.Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Located just below Tak, Izakaya is ideal for quick bites of sushi and sips of sake in a casual setting.Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2024
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Betting on one brand gives you only one bite at the apple.Gary Stern, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The key to its flavor is a balance of sweet, spice, piquancy and heat, which creates a balanced and addictive bite.Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024
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While there are pops of piquancy in Landon’s script, her direction and the performances (with the exception of Woodard) fail to inspire much more than a shrug.Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
Noun
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Read More: See Photos from the Raging Franklin Fire in Malibu Much of the devastation occurred in Malibu, a community of about 10,000 people on the western edge of Los Angeles known for its stunning bluffs and Zuma Beach, which features in many Hollywood films.Christopher Weber, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
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Then use a thin metal spatula to loosen bars around the edges of the pan.Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Flavor Red velvet offers a nuanced, luxurious flavor profile that entails sweet notes of vanilla balanced by a pleasant tang from the buttermilk and vinegar, all rounded out with a muted hint of cocoa.Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024
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Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mashed potatoes.Stacey Ballis, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Snappy acidity and flavors of dark chocolate and raspberries.Tom Mullen, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
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The lemon juice added just the right amount of acidity to keep the soup feeling light.Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Malting enhances esters in the rye, producing lighter fruity notes of apple, pear, and even citrus zest.Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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Lemon zest adds an element of brightness to recipes.Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Cruelty and short-sightedness can run both ways along that spectrum, and part of the poignancy of Counting and Cracking lies in its generosity and emotional maturity.Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2024
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In Browning’s telling, the messenger’s valiant run and dying words take on a poignancy that inspired readers, among them the inventors of the modern Olympic Games.Miriam Kamil, JSTOR Daily, 20 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pungency
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pungency. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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