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
Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Mar. 2026
Their latest collection launched this week, offering men’s straight jeans and women’s baggy jeans alongside sporty items like half-zip sweatshirts, pique polo shirts and boxy oxford shirts.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 Feb. 2026
Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 9 June 2026
That piqued the actress’ interest enough to at least take a look at the script.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pique
Noun
The administration has tried everything in its toolbox to stop it, based on not data or studies or anything much beyond rich-old-man pique.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Mar. 2026
Their latest collection launched this week, offering men’s straight jeans and women’s baggy jeans alongside sporty items like half-zip sweatshirts, pique polo shirts and boxy oxford shirts.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
Bediako went on to play five games with the Crimson Tide, but the intrigue piqued when Roberts later recused himself from the case.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 9 June 2026
That piqued the actress’ interest enough to at least take a look at the script.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
-
But anger is only an occasionally riveting spice in this show, not the dominant emotion.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
-
The decision against Rong Chhun, a top adviser to the Nation Power Party, was met with anger by supporters gathered outside the Supreme Court complex in Phnom Penh.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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One of the more common ways bear encounters escalate is when an off-leash dog runs toward a bear, annoys it, and then comes sprinting back to its owner with an angry predator in pursuit.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
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And get annoyed when people spell it wrong anyway?—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
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Butler had pleaded guilty to harassment likely to provoke violence, felon in possession of a weapon and theft in Alaska, but did not report to jail.—
Jen Guadarrama,
IndyStar,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Pittsburgh is a city that prides itself on supporting local businesses, and there’s no better place to see that in action than the Strip District.—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
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In a city that prides itself on international flavors, Loryn Nalic’s food shines.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Midwest Living,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Rhodes celebrated with the crowd at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, while Gunther walked back up the entrance ramp in a huff.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
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David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But one snafu irritated a sizable portion of the more than 3,000 students gathered at Arie Crown Theater to hear the astronauts discuss their mission.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
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Health officials say the gas can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may be especially troublesome for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Nick Engen and Taylor Calmus CBS To help encourage fathers navigating similar experiences, Taylor Calmus, creator of the popular online Dude Dad brand, visited the NICU ahead of Father's Day to surprise Engen and other dads with gift bags filled with supplies.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
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You are encouraged to sit and lounge and read.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Kiley left the Republican Party earlier this year, citing frustration with partisanship.—
Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
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In Ghana, there also remains frustration at the old FIFA rules which dictated that once a player had represented a country at youth level, he was bound to it forever.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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