pungent crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue "pungent" has you stumped, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by their length, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "pungent crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ACRID: Sharp and irritatingly pungent, often referring to smells or tastes, like an acrid smoke.
SHARP: Having a strong, biting taste or smell, or a keen edge; can describe a pungent flavor.
SPICY: Strongly flavored with spice, often referring to a pungent, hot taste that stimulates the senses.
6 Letters
BITTER: Having a sharp, acrid taste; strongly pungent, often associated with a displeasing sensation.
7 Letters
PIQUANT: Having a pleasantly sharp, appetizing taste or smell; stimulating and exciting to the palate.
More About "pungent crossword clue"
"Pungent" is a vivid descriptor often used in crosswords to challenge solvers' vocabulary related to sensory experiences. It typically refers to a strong, sharp, or irritating smell or taste. While sometimes associated with unpleasant sensations (like the pungent odor of ammonia), it can also describe strong, appealing flavors in food (like pungent cheese).
When you encounter "pungent" in a crossword, think about words that convey intensity of flavor or aroma. Consider the context of other clues in the puzzle; sometimes, a surrounding clue might hint at whether the answer is about food, chemicals, or even a sharp remark. The beauty of crossword clues like "pungent" lies in their ability to point to a range of related but distinct terms, requiring you to consider both denotation and connotation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Length: Always check the number of letters required. This is your most powerful filter for potential answers, helping you narrow down options dramatically.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: "Pungent" is a good example of a clue that often requires a synonym. Think broadly about words that share its core meaning of "strong taste/smell" but also consider antonyms if the clue includes a modifier like "not pungent."
- Look for Homophones and Puns: While "pungent" itself is straightforward, some clues can be tricky. Always be on the lookout for wordplay, especially in more advanced crosswords.
- Use Cross-References: If you're stuck on "pungent," try to solve intersecting clues first. The letters you fill in from other answers will provide critical hints for the remaining word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "pungent" mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "pungent" typically refers to a strong, sharp, or biting smell or taste. Answers often relate to descriptors of food, chemicals, or scents that are intense and noticeable, such as 'ACRID', 'SHARP', or 'SPICY'.
Are there common synonyms for pungent used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for pungent found in crosswords include ACRID, SHARP, BITTER, TANGY, KEEN, ZESTY, PIQUANT, and even descriptors like SPICY or AROMATIC, depending on the nuance of the clue.
How can I identify a 'taste' or 'smell' related clue in a crossword?
Look for sensory words like 'odor', 'aroma', 'flavor', 'taste', 'smell', 'scent', 'bitter', 'sweet', 'sour', 'salty', 'sharp', 'acrid', 'fragrant', or 'foul'. These words directly indicate that the answer will describe a sensory experience, often related to food, drink, or general environmental smells.