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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective racy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of racy are piquant, poignant, and pungent. While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

When might piquant be a better fit than racy?

While in some cases nearly identical to racy, 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 racy?

The synonyms poignant and racy are sometimes interchangeable, but poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

Where would pungent be a reasonable alternative to racy?

While the synonyms pungent and racy are close in meaning, pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

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 racy In the same way, a tariff is a tariff is a tariff, whether in a racy letter, stated on a big chart, or even sent in an Instagram DM. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 8 July 2025 Richard Mille has dropped another racy watch in honor of the 12th edition of the Le Mans Classic. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2025 Yeah, just try to get a little racy at times to learn a little bit for the race. Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 During a Today show appearance last month, Robert revealed his family’s reaction to his racy campaign. Rachel McRady, People.com, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for racy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for racy
Adjective
  • There are a few giant screens playing sports located towards the back of the restaurant, and lively music, either from the house speakers or in-person entertainers, sets the mood for a fun meal.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • At a time when personal expression and wellness are at the heart of home design, this equally grounding and lively shade couldn’t be more timely.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Popeyes Offers for Popeyes reward members include a free six-piece purchase with any $5 purchase and free six-piece spicy bone-in wings with the purchase of any wing order.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
  • That's right — after a full season of Hot Topics, spicy cohost clashes, high-profile political guests, and even courting pointed responses from the White House, The View talk show stars have gone off the air for the year.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old; naturally creative, enthusiastic and animated; able to positively interact non-verbally with guests; able to walk, climb and stand while wearing a heavy, oversized and confining full body character costume for up to 20-30 minutes at a time.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The live-action reimagining of Disney's beloved animated classic made a big splash at the worldwide box office after its release in late May, bringing in more than $300 million in its opening weekend.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to the outlet, the message appears to bear Trump’s signature and included a suggestive drawing.
    Julia Mueller, The Hill, 29 July 2025
  • The move follows a $10 billion defamation lawsuit Trump filed against the Journal and Rupert Murdoch over a story linking him to Jeffrey Epstein via a suggestive birthday letter.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Together, the data reveals different layers of the galaxy's structure and energetic processes, highlighted by bright gold light in the image.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2025
  • The image of a tiny hamster running endlessly on a spinning wheel has become an iconic part of owning these small, energetic animals.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tony Finau is tied with Xander Schauffele for the longest active streak of Tour Championship appearances with eight straight East Lake appearances.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Ticks are the most active during spring and summer months.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Character models in the distance no longer animate at a lower frame rate than those in the foreground.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • No matter its age and despite its survival being dependent on machines, just like its mother, the fetus is entirely animate.
    Lindsey Breitwieser, The Conversation, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Making a brisk morning walk in the sun part of your daily routine can be a grounding, enjoyable experience.
    Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
  • When measuring the nation's collective fitness, the good news is Americans are more likely to take a brisk walk, play pickleball or lift weights.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Racy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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