as in spice
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses
a talk show host known for the quickness and piquancy of his wit I appreciated the piquancy of the peppers in the sauce
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Recent Examples of piquancy
The key to its flavor is a balance of sweet, spice, piquancy and heat, which creates a balanced and addictive bite.
—
Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024
While there are pops of piquancy in Landon’s script, her direction and the performances (with the exception of Woodard) fail to inspire much more than a shrug.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
While its distinctive piquancy might throw some off, that very taste is what keeps it on the South Korean table week after week.
—Violet Kim, CNN, 28 June 2023
Just enough to assert its piquancy and hint at the dish’s roots.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for piquancy
Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024
While there are pops of piquancy in Landon’s script, her direction and the performances (with the exception of Woodard) fail to inspire much more than a shrug.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
While its distinctive piquancy might throw some off, that very taste is what keeps it on the South Korean table week after week.
—Violet Kim, CNN, 28 June 2023
Just enough to assert its piquancy and hint at the dish’s roots.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for piquancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquancy
Noun
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Adding antioxidant-rich herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, oregano and garlic can further reduce harmful high-heat byproducts in cooked meats and baked foods, according to multiple studies.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
17 Oct. 2025
-
In a small bowl combine apple crumbs, powdered sugar, and apple pie spice.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Whisk the oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, both paprikas, cumin, lemon zest, red pepper and 1 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
17 Oct. 2025
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White wine, shallots, and lemon zest and juice build on what the butter and garlic get started, and a couple tablespoons of capers give the dish a zesty tang.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquancy. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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