What term refers to a strong, often unpleasant, smell?

The term "pungent" specifically describes a strong, often sharp, and sometimes unpleasant smell that can be quite overwhelming to the senses. This word is commonly used to refer to odors that are strong enough to have a noticeable impact, such as the scent of certain spices, vinegar, or even spoiled food.

In contrast, other terms like "fragrant" refer to pleasant smells, often associated with flowers or perfumes, which is not applicable in this context. "Odorless" denotes the absence of smell altogether, and "faint" suggests a smell that is weak or barely detectable. Hence, "pungent" is the only term that accurately captures the essence of a strong and potentially unpleasant odor.