-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Synonyms
Examples of pungency in a Sentence
the pungency of the vinegar gives the salad dressing the kick that it needs
theatergoers have long delighted in the pungency and wit of the play's dialogue
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Today, chili pungency is measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a method that measures the capsaicin concentration directly.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023
The Scoville scale was created in 1912 to measure pungency of chile peppers.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Nov. 2023
The pungency of its timbre puts the ears on alert and on edge: no one can fall into a blissful trance at an oboe recital.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
The product is highly sought out by connoisseurs for its pungency and pepperiness.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2022
Shrimp paste goes by many names—like bagoong in the Philippines, terasi in Indonesia, and belacan in Malaysia and Singapore—and each is prepared differently, offering a diverse range of flavor profiles and varying salinity, texture, color, and pungency.
—Shayne Chammavanijakul, Bon Appétit, 8 Mar. 2022
The team’s thick, almost spreadable toum cranks up the volume on the stinking rose, allowing its pungency and pigheaded perfume to accessorize a number of dishes.
—Tim Carman, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pungency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1649, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pungency
Cite this Entry
“Pungency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pungency. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Kids Definition
pungency
noun
pun·gen·cy
ˈpən-jən-sē
: the quality or state of being pungent
Medical Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on pungency
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share