pungent

[puhn-juhnt]

adjective

1. sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power; biting; acrid.

   Synonyms: sharp, piquant, peppery, hot
   Antonyms: bland, mild

2. acutely distressing to the feelings or mind; poignant.

3. caustic, biting, or sharply expressive.

   pungent remarks.

   Synonyms: bitter, acrimonious, cutting, mordant, sarcastic
   Antonyms: soothing

4. mentally stimulating or appealing.

   pungent wit.

   Synonyms: sharp, keen
   Antonyms: dull

5. Biology.,  piercing or sharp-pointed.

pungent

/ ˈpʌndʒənt /

adjective

1. having an acrid smell or sharp bitter flavour

2. (of wit, satire, etc) biting; caustic

3. biology ending in a sharp point

   a pungent leaf

Other Word Forms

• pungency noun
• pungently adverb
• nonpungency noun
• nonpungent adjective
• nonpungently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pungent¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin pungent-, stem of pungēns “pricking,” present participle of pungere “to prick”; poignant

Word History and Origins

Origin of pungent¹

C16: from Latin pungens piercing, from pungere to prick

Example Sentences

Cornichons, on the other hand, are quite vinegar-y in flavor, so adding their brine to lemonade would make for a pungent and acidic drink.

From Salon

It’s a pungent quality — an internal characteristic that gives rise to outside counterforces.

From Salon

Smelling salts - a pungent mix of ammonia, water and ethanol - are marketed as improving mental alertness or boosting energy.

From BBC

With his chakras aligned, the wind rippling his thick blond fur and smelling of pungent, earthy oregano oil, Dug stood up, panting merrily, and stared directly into the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Members of the public lodged at least 25 formal complaints about a pungent smell, described as a mix of creosote and outdoor cleaning fluid.

From BBC

Related Words

• acid 
• acrid 
• aromatic 
• bitter 
• peppery 
• piquant 
• poignant 
• salty 
• sharp 
• sour 
• spicy 
• stinging www.thesaurus.com
• tangy 
• zesty