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Definition of pungent

pungent

/ˈpʌn.dʒənt/
pun · gent
Adverb:pungently
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pungent Lexical Profile

pungent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having a sharply strong, biting, or penetrating taste or smell.

Example

"The kitchen was filled with the pungent aroma of roasted garlic and freshly ground spices."

2

Having a sharp, incisive, and caustic quality (of comment, criticism, or humor).

Example

"The columnist is widely read for her pungent satire of local political figures."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

punditry
pune
pungency
pungent
pungently
punica
punily

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin 'pungentem', the present participle of 'pungere' ('to prick, pierce, or sting'), which shares the same root as 'puncture' and 'poignant'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pungent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pungent
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