Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective piquant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of piquant are poignant, pungent, and racy. While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency.

a piquant sauce

In what contexts can poignant take the place of piquant?

Although the words poignant and piquant have much in common, poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

When is it sensible to use pungent instead of piquant?

The synonyms pungent and piquant are sometimes interchangeable, but pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

When might racy be a better fit than piquant?

The words racy and piquant can be used in similar contexts, but racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of piquant Even a humble staple like queso is elevated with smokey undertones, a version so good that it can easily be eaten by the spoonful, alternating with the addictively piquant salsa verde that comes to the table with warm tortilla chips. Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 The crustaceans produce a piquant aroma while the red vegetable adds a layer of acidity and hint of sourness to the soup. Christina Liao, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024 The Right Word is not so much to be consulted as to be read and savored by those who remember the early days of NR and the piquant personality behind it. William Voegeli, National Review, 19 Dec. 2024 When a film is particularly geographically piquant, a compliment soon follows that the city itself feels like a character. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for piquant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant
Adjective
  • Their Small Batch Bourbon has received accolades for its smooth yet spicy character.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The handful of flavor choices includes lemon and pistachio, which pair perfectly to cool off the spicy selections in your meal.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This nachos recipe is inspired by that fan-favorite meal and loaded with queso, spiced beef, cilantro-lime rice, pungent Cotija, and fresh pico all atop a bed of crispy tortilla chips.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Conversely, increase the brew time for a more pungent taste and more components like theanine.
    Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The most poignant partnership will come from Ovi’s own wallet.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • His art is a record of memory, now rendered even more poignant in exile.
    Omnia Saed, ARTnews.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Because the Blackened Ranch is probably a zesty upgrade to that combination.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Crafted with smooth Jameson whiskey, this drink is elegantly garnished with a twist of orange peel, adding a zesty aroma that perfectly complements the rich flavors.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to its unique design, the Dutch oven’s lid doubles as a 10.25-inch cast-iron skillet that can easily be used to make your favorite cornbread, delicious cobblers, hot dips for parties, and much more.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Indulge in delicious cuisine and beverages, all while immersing yourself in the evening’s thrilling theme.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to its diverse range of savory seafood dishes, the venue has also established itself as one of the foremost cocktail venues across the northern coast of Puerto Rico—and to sweeten the deal, the restaurant also boasts some stellar views of Dorado’s famous shoreline.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Quiche is a savory French tart made with pastry crust and egg custard.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, salty snack purchases declined 0.3% during the 52 weeks ending on February 23, according to market research firm Circana.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In public, President Trump is blunt, salty, mean, flattering and gossipy.
    Alex Isenstadt, Axios, 16 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on piquant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!