pungent
Assaults the nostrils
Pungent describes a sharp, strong smell or taste that hits the senses forcefully—onions, ammonia, certain cheeses.
The sensation is penetrating, sometimes to the point of discomfort: the pungent odor of garlic, pungent smoke from the fire.
Figuratively, pungent describes speech or writing that is sharp and biting: pungent criticism, a pungent wit.
Emitting a scent
- reekingEmitting strong foul smell
- malodorousHaving a bad smell
- fetidHaving foul odor
- rankPosition in hierarchy
rancid · musty · skunky · fishy · sulfurous · putrid · noisome · foul
Tangy seed-paste condiment
- horseradishSpicy root used as condiment
- wasabiPungent green root paste
- radishPeppery edible root
- arugulaPeppery Mediterranean salad green
watercress · ginger · raw onion · garlic · blue cheese · kimchi · sauerkraut · vinegar
Unpleasantly sharp-smelling
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- stingingCausing sharp pain
- piercingPenetrating or very sharp
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
caustic · peppery · burning · irritating · penetrating · keen · eye-watering · astringent
Harshly critical or cold
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- acerbicSharp and biting
- mordantCuttingly critical in expression
- scathingSeverely and bitingly critical
trenchant · incisive · sardonic · cutting · vitriolic · sharp-tongued · barbed · stinging
Aromatic crystalline insect deterrent
- eucalyptusAromatic Australian timber tree
- mentholCooling agent from plants
- pineCone-bearing evergreen
- rosemaryFragrant culinary evergreen
sage · thyme · oregano · clove · cinnamon · cumin · fenugreek · asafoetida
Too intense to withstand
- potentHaving great effect
- strongHaving great physical power
- concentratedGathered or intensified
- powerfulHaving great strength
robust · pronounced · pervasive · overwhelming · lingering · assertive · bold · unmistakable
odorous
Emitting a scent
- reekingEmitting strong foul smell
- malodorousHaving a bad smell
- fetidHaving foul odor
rank · rancid · musty · skunky · fishy · sulfurous · putrid · noisome · foul · stench
mustard
Tangy seed-paste condiment
- horseradishSpicy root used as condiment
- wasabiPungent green root paste
- radishPeppery edible root
arugula · watercress · ginger · raw onion · garlic · blue cheese · kimchi · sauerkraut · vinegar · pickled
acrid
Unpleasantly sharp-smelling
harsh · caustic · peppery · burning · irritating · penetrating · keen · eye-watering · astringent · bracing
biting
Harshly critical or cold
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- acerbicSharp and biting
- mordantCuttingly critical in expression
scathing · trenchant · incisive · sardonic · cutting · vitriolic · sharp-tongued · barbed · stinging · pointed
camphor
Aromatic crystalline insect deterrent
- eucalyptusAromatic Australian timber tree
- mentholCooling agent from plants
- pineCone-bearing evergreen
rosemary · sage · thyme · oregano · clove · cinnamon · cumin · fenugreek · asafoetida · turmeric
overpowering
Too intense to withstand
- potentHaving great effect
- strongHaving great physical power
- concentratedGathered or intensified
powerful · robust · pronounced · pervasive · overwhelming · lingering · assertive · bold · unmistakable · distinct
- pungent odorStrong, sharp smell
- pungent flavorSharp, penetrating taste sensation
- pungent aromaIntense, sharp-smelling odor