pungent odor

USAGE SUMMARY

'pungent odor' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a smell that is unmistakable and strong, usually not pleasant. For example: The hallway was filled with a pungent odor of mildew.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pungent odor that comes with keeping travelers in close quarters.

The Guardian

Besides enduring the sometimes pungent odor, pedestrians are kept on their toes about where they step.

The New York Times

"As I entered," Choi wrote, "I was assaulted with the pungent odor of alcohol.

The New York Times - Magazine

We even savored the pungent odor of manure because it signaled our arrival in "the country".

The New York Times

Marigolds are known to repel many insects because of their strong, pungent odor.

The New York Times

The inner bark is yellow, as are the roots, and when scraped these parts have a pungent odor.

Columbia University

Last year, a Bronx woman awoke in the middle of the night to the pungent odor of gas.

The New York Times

The pungent odor of ethanol, used to preserve the insect samples, permeates the air in the lab.

The New York Times

Pay a few dirhams for the peek and you receive a sprig of mint to combat the pungent odor.

The New York Times - Travel

When stink bugs are crushed or become irritated, they emit a pungent odor that is sometimes described as skunklike.

The New York Times

I hated it when I was in a cabin with the pungent odor of the neighboring dairy farm and slaughterhouse wafting across my cabin.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a smell, be specific about its source to enhance the reader's understanding. For example, instead of simply saying "a "pungent odor"", specify "a "pungent odor" of decaying leaves".

Common error

While "pungent odor" is acceptable, overuse can make writing seem repetitive. Vary your descriptions with more nuanced terms like "acrid smell" or "sharp fragrance" depending on the specific scent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pungent odor" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It pinpoints a specific quality of a smell, emphasizing its intensity and sharpness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pungent odor" effectively describes a strong, often unpleasant smell, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news and media, science, and academia. When writing, be specific about the source of the odor to enhance clarity. While acceptable, avoid overuse by varying descriptions with terms like "acrid smell" or "sharp fragrance". Overall, "pungent odor" is a reliable descriptor for intense scents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong scent

Replaces "odor" with "scent" and "pungent" with "strong", altering the intensity.

acrid smell

Uses "acrid" to describe the smell, focusing on its harshness and bitterness.

powerful smell

Substitutes "pungent odor" with a more common phrase, focusing on the intensity of the smell.

fetid scent

Highlights the foul and offensive nature of the smell, using "fetid" to describe it.

distinctive smell

Focuses on the unique and easily identifiable characteristic of the odor, using "distinctive" to describe it.

intense aroma

Uses "aroma" instead of "odor", suggesting a less negative connotation, and replaces "pungent" with "intense".

noticeable stench

Replaces "pungent" with "noticeable" and "odor" with "stench", emphasizing the strong and unpleasant nature of the smell.

overpowering reek

Emphasizes the unpleasant nature of the smell, replacing "odor" with "reek" and "pungent" with "overpowering".

strong effluvium

Replaces "odor" with the less common "effluvium", suggesting a strong and often unpleasant emanation.

sharp fragrance

Replaces "odor" with "fragrance", suggesting a more pleasant smell, while "sharp" still indicates a strong sensation.

FAQs

How can I use "pungent odor" in a sentence?

You can use "pungent odor" to describe a strong, often unpleasant smell. For instance, "The laboratory had a "pungent odor" of chemicals" or "A "pungent odor" of skunk filled the air".

What are some synonyms for "pungent odor"?

Alternatives include "strong scent", "powerful smell", or "intense aroma", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pungent odor" formal or informal language?

"Pungent odor" is considered neutral to formal language, suitable for news reports, descriptions, and scientific writing. More informal alternatives might include "strong smell" or "bad smell".

What's the difference between "pungent odor" and "foul odor"?

While both describe unpleasant smells, "pungent odor" emphasizes the sharpness and intensity of the smell, while "foul odor" focuses on its repulsiveness and unpleasantness.