sharp flavor

Pungent on tongue

A sharp flavor is one that bites—tangy, acidic, or pungent rather than mild or sweet.

Sharp cheese has aged long enough to develop intensity.

Sharp mustard hits the sinuses.

The word suggests a flavor that announces itself boldly: The vinegar gave the dressing a sharp edge.

Related

lime juice · acidic · tart · vinegar · citrus · sour · green apple · bitter · astringent · bracing · blue cheese · pickle · pickled ginger · mustard · horseradish · wasabi · hot sauce · ginger

Opposites
intensity

sharp flavorbland

Lacking distinctive qualities

mild · muted · subtle · insipid · tasteless

sensory character

sharp flavormellow

Soft, ripe, relaxed

smooth · soft · mild · creamy · buttery

Family

sharp, flavor, sharpen, sharpened, sharpening, sharpener, sharper, sharpest, sharply

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G