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Definition of pungently

pungently

/ˈpʌndʒəntli/
pun · gent · ly
Adjective:pungent
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pungently Lexical Profile

pungently Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that produces a sharp, strong, or penetrating smell or taste.

Example

"The crushed garlic and roasted cumin smelled pungently throughout the busy kitchen."

2

In an incisive, biting, or caustically expressive manner (especially of speech, wit, or criticism).

Example

"The columnist wrote pungently about the systemic failures of the municipal transit authority."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

pune
pungency
pungent
pungently
punica
punily
puniness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'pungent' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Pungent' derives from the Latin present participle 'pungentem', from the verb 'pungere', meaning 'to prick, pierce, or sting'.

Cite this Entry

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