pique 1 of 2

pique

2 of 2

verb

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as in to pride
to think highly of (oneself) she piques herself on her considerable musical abilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pique distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of pique are dudgeon, huff, offense, resentment, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When is it sensible to use dudgeon instead of pique?

In some situations, the words dudgeon and pique are roughly equivalent. However, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When can huff be used instead of pique?

The meanings of huff and pique largely overlap; however, huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When would offense be a good substitute for pique?

The words offense and pique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When is resentment a more appropriate choice than pique?

While in some cases nearly identical to pique, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

When might umbrage be a better fit than pique?

The synonyms umbrage and pique are sometimes interchangeable, but umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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 pique
Noun
The moment called for careful diplomacy, not a fit of pique. Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025 His proposal appears to be related to his pique about migration across the southern border. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
Not only is that likely to draw some curiosity on its own, but considering the president’s previous comments about Swift after her endorsement of Kamala Harris last fall, the idea of these two in the same stadium is already piquing interest online. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2025 And 2025 is no exception, with a new crop of exciting ports of call piquing our interest. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
  • President Donald Trump has reacted with anger after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a new 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the United States, in response to a wave of tariffs on Canadian goods.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Customers have been loudly expressing their frustration and anger.
    Forrester, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Instead of getting annoyed, try again a few minutes later and remember, never vent your frustration to your cats.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Since then, Lorenzo had been aggressive in pushing the Pinos to seek better medical expertise to get to the bottom of Tatiana’s health problems — an effort that reportedly annoyed Sergio.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Over the past eight years, social media platforms have been skillfully manipulated to provoke anger, rage, fear, and distrust, setting individuals and groups against one another.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Sometimes, that means getting outside of the Court’s comfort zone of an orderly appeals process when individual judges single-handedly provoke a separation-of-powers crisis.
    The Editors, National Review, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The dance music community prides itself on being inclusive for all.
    Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • While Forest are a rising force, back-to-back losses would be a troubling look for a club that prides itself on quality and resilience.
    Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.
    Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
  • The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world.
    Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • Ramirez-Rosa has been a magnet for it, in ways that could further irritate the city’s already-tender Black-Latino relations.
    Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Products with fragrances can also irritate the skin.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Nope, although Google does encourage all users to switch from passwords and traditional 2FA to the use of passkeys, of course.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Officials encourage Carolinians to stay informed through official emergency sources and call 911 to report any immediate threats.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Gathering at Scripps Research’s third annual Pandemic Preparedness Symposium last week, researchers working in virology and chemistry did not bother to debate whether or not H5N1 avian influenza will clear this rapidly shrinking hurdle.
    Paul Sisson, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • As Caro settled into life in a new country, one thing often bothered him.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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