pungent
Americanadjective
-
sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power; biting; acrid.
-
acutely distressing to the feelings or mind; poignant.
-
caustic, biting, or sharply expressive.
pungent remarks.
- Synonyms:
- bitter, acrimonious, cutting, mordant, sarcastic
- Antonyms:
- soothing
-
mentally stimulating or appealing.
pungent wit.
- Antonyms:
- dull
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Biology. piercing or sharp-pointed.
adjective
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having an acrid smell or sharp bitter flavour
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(of wit, satire, etc) biting; caustic
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biology ending in a sharp point
a pungent leaf
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pungent
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin pungent-, stem of pungēns “pricking,” present participle of pungere “to prick”; cf. poignant
Explanation
Use pungent to describe a taste or smell that gives a sharp sensation. "What is that pungent odor?" is a polite way of suggesting that someone in the room has BO. The ultimate source of the word pungent is Latin pungere, "to prick, sting." Ginger and mustard seed are examples of pungent spices. Limburger cheese has the distinction of being the most pungent of all cheeses. And if your pet has an accident in the house, there may be a pungent odor. And pungent can be used in a figurative sense: pungent language is stimulating and expressive.
Vocabulary lists containing pungent
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4
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The Nose Knows: Olfactory Vocabulary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pungent dried scallops are in a sweet-and-savory fudge petit four, not a classic soup.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 18, 2025
Pungent, garlicky Chinese chives resemble thick blades of grass; if you can get them from your local Asian supermarket, use them in place of the scallions.
From Washington Times • Nov. 28, 2023
Pungent and odiferous foods, such as vinegars and fermented staples, should also be kept out of the pantry, according to Roszkowski.
From Salon • Nov. 10, 2021
“Salt-Rising Bread in America: A Long, Colorful and Pungent History,” Nov. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m., free for members, $10 for others, saltrisingbread.eventbrite.com.
From New York Times • Nov. 1, 2021
“The scent of godhood lies in the burdens that hover above you. Pungent and powerful stenches they are,” he said.
From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
