as in anger
the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity
in a fit of pique she posted embarrassing photos of her ex-boyfriend on the Internet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
her seat companion piqued her by repeatedly poking her in the ribs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
their sarcastic comments piqued him to respond in kind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples 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
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
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
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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
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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
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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
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As Caro settled into life in a new country, one thing often bothered him.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
28 Feb. 2025
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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