WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
pun•gent /ˈpʌndʒənt/USA pronunciation
adj.
pun•gent•ly, adv. See -punct-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- sharply affecting the sense of taste or smell;
biting;
acrid:the pungent aroma of garlic. - sharply expressive;
biting:pungent criticism.
pun•gent•ly, adv. See -punct-.
pun•gent
(pun′jənt),USA pronunciation adj.
pun′gen•cy, n.
pun′gent•ly, adv.
- 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.
- mentally stimulating or appealing:pungent wit.
- Biology, Botanypiercing or sharp-pointed.
- Latin pungent- (stem of pungēns), present participle of pungere to prick. See poignant, point, -ent
- 1590–1600
pun′gent•ly, adv.
- 1. hot, peppery, piquant, sharp. 3. sarcastic, mordant, cutting; acrimonious, bitter. 4. keen, sharp.
- 1. mild, bland. 3. soothing. 4. dull.
'pungency' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):