pique 1 of 2

noun

ˈpēk How to pronounce pique (audio)
Definition of piquenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pique

2 of 2

verb

ˈpēk How to pronounce pique (audio)
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

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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
3
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
Bikini tops and bottoms are sized XS to XL; men’s trunk are 30 to 40 and XS to XXL; women’s one-piece is XS to XXL; pique polos are S to XL, and pareos are one size. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025 Some suffer for the President’s pique and are deported in handcuffs and leg-irons. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
Gillespie explains that after seeing his golfing pictures on his profile, Powell decided to lead with that in her reachout, which instantly piqued his interest. —Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025 From unique fauna to poison ivy, trails may have a variety of features to pique a traveler’s curiosity. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
  1. anger
  2. annoy
  3. provoke
  4. pride
  5. huff
  6. irritate
  7. encourage
  8. bother
Noun
  • During the 2008 financial crisis, Biglari seized on shareholder anger and economic uncertainty.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Taking on Kimmel On Wednesday afternoon, Carr tapped into preexisting MAGA media anger about a Monday night Kimmel monologue and used a right-wing podcaster’s platform to blast Kimmel and pressure ABC’s parent company Disney.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of anger
Verb
  • According to Radar Online, one British royal family member who was especially annoyed at Camilla’s trip was Charles’ own sister, Princess Anne.
    — Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Shannon is down in the dumps and annoyed by Tamra’s neediness to be forgiven for past sins.
    — Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of annoy
Verb
  • Gutman's comment have provoked backlash on social media, with some calling for him to be fired from his role.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Prolonged isolation in detention can provoke psychological symptoms, including paranoia, PTSD and depression, that can lead to suicide, Peeler said.
    — Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • Charlie Kirk prided himself on having dialogue with his opponents.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
  • However, the Royals pride themselves on being a resilient team.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of pride
Noun
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    — Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Getty Images To date, the post has amassed more than 900 comments from TikTok viewers, many of them poking fun at the golden retriever mother's annoyed expression and shallow huffs.
    — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Definition of huff
Verb
  • Generally, mineral sunscreens are beloved by dermatologists for not irritating sensitive skin, the way chemical sunscreens can.
    — Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Too many or poorly timed nudges irritate users.
    — Prithvi Singh Shergill, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • Knocking down webs on your porch and around entries will encourage spiders to move on to somewhere else.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • This takes two seconds, and she doesn’t get bothered at all.
    — Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).
    — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of bother

Browse Nearby Words

piquant
pique
piqued
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Cite this Entry

“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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