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

Examples of pungent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Earthy cabernet notes via redcurrant, pepper, and cedarwood make for a comforting, woodsy, beautifully pungent aroma. —

Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024 Beyond Sausage paired perfectly with the pungent red curry paste in this rice cake stir-fry, and swapping in Impossible Beef was unnoticeable in these spicy-sweet gochujang sloppy joes. —

Rebecca Gorena, Bon Appétit, 13 Aug. 2024 There was an Elvis, and a shirtless clown that flopped through a baby pool filled with gallons of pungent relish. —

Melena Ryzik, New York Times, 7 May 2024 Towne was renowned for his ability to construct ornate but compact screenplays and write pungent dialogue that conveyed rich, and, at times, complex, contradictory meanings. —

Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for pungent

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pungent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.