tang
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for tang, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sharp, distinctive taste or smell.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use tang
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a tang of citrus
salty tang
Etymology
Imitative in origin, originally describing a sharp ringing sound before extending to sharp tastes and smells.
Full origin of tang →Frequently asked questions
What does “tang” mean?
The word “tang” means a sharp, distinctive taste or smell. In plain terms, a sharp, pungent taste or smell — or, separately, a type of colorful reef fish.
How do you pronounce “tang”?
“Tang” is pronounced TANG (/ˈtæŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tang” in a sentence?
Here is “tang” used in a sentence: “The cheese had a strong tang that lingered.”
What part of speech is “tang”?
“Tang” is a noun.
Is “tang” a common word?
“Tang” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tang” have?
“Tang” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp, distinctive taste or smell.
What is the difference between tang and taste?
Tang specifically refers to a sharp, distinctive taste or smell, often with a pungent or zesty quality, while taste is the general sense or flavor of something without implying sharpness. Foods described as having a tang, like citrus or vinegar, are noted for a noticeably strong, piercing flavor.
Is tang used for smells as well as tastes?
Yes, tang can describe a sharp, distinctive smell as well as a taste, such as the tang of salt air near the ocean. Both senses share the idea of a strong, penetrating quality that stands out.
What is a tang fish?
A tang is also a brightly colored saltwater fish often kept in reef aquariums, unrelated to the taste or smell sense of the word. This is a separate meaning describing a type of marine fish popular in the aquarium hobby.
