Pungent vs. Spicy — What's the Difference?

Affecting the organs of taste or smell with a sharp acrid sensation.

Flavoured with or fragrant with spice

Penetrating, biting, or caustic

Having the flavor, aroma, or quality of spice.

To the point; sharp

Piquant; zesty

Pointed

Producing or abounding in spices.

Having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.

High-spirited; lively.

Having a strong taste that stings the tongue, said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.

Slightly scandalous; risqué

(figurative) Stinging; acerbic.

Of, pertaining to, or containing spice.

(botany) Having a sharp and stiff point.

(of flavors) Provoking a burning sensation due to the presence of chilis or similar hot spices

Causing a sharp sensation, as of the taste, smell, or feelings; pricking; biting; acrid; as, a pungent spice.

(of flavors or odors) Tangy, zesty, or pungent.

Sharply painful; penetrating; poignant; severe; caustic; stinging.

(of expression or behavior) Vigorous; colorful; stimulating.

Prickly-pointed; hard and sharp.

Risqué, sexy, racy; mildly pornographic.

Sharp biting or acrid especially in taste or smell;

Flavored with, or containing, spice or spices; fragrant; aromatic; as, spicy breezes.

Capable of wounding;

Producing, or abounding with, spices.

Fig.: Piquant; racy; as, a spicy debate.

Having an agreeably pungent taste

Suggestive of sexual impropriety;

Having a piquant burning taste of spices or peppers;