Synonyms of pique

pique 1 of 2

noun

ˈpēk 

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

• anger
• huff
• offence
• frustration
• indignation
• irritation
• dudgeon
• resentment
• umbrage
• exasperation
• outrage
• annoyance
• displeasure
• peeve
• miff
• discomfort
• offense
• ire
• grief
• indignity
• upset
• agitation
• distress
• insult
• perturbation
• fit
• temper
• vexation
• affront
• aggravation
• angriness
• bother
• dander
• pet
• tantrum
• disturbance
• slight
• tizzy
• barb
• irateness
• pouts
• slap
• slur
• sulk(s)
• botheration
• dig
• brickbat
• put-down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• satisfaction
• delight
• pleasure
• pacification
• appeasement
• gratification
• happiness
• contentment
• mollification

pique

2 of 2

verb

ˈpēk 

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

• annoy
• irritate
• bother
• bug
• persecute
• aggravate
• infuriate
• exasperate
• anger
• irk
• spite
• rile
• get
• vex
• itch
• worry
• grate
• ruffle
• burn (up)
• provoke
• chafe
• eat
• gripe
• get to
• wear on
• tease
• put out
• nettle
• insult
• gall
• nark
• frost
• peeve
• plague
• hack (off)
• rouse
• rub the wrong way
• rasp
• offend
• enrage
• enflame
• upset
• stick in one's craw
• outrage
• get on one's nerves
• inflame
• get one's goat
• set one's teeth on edge
• harass
• nag
• heckle
• unsettle
• antagonize
• agitate
• disquiet
• rankle
• distress
• discomfort
• hassle
• bait
• affront
• perturb
• badger
• roil
• devil
• discompose
• pester
• harry
• exercise
• unhinge
• madden
• incense
• bullyrag
• fret
• freak (out)
• ballyrag
• hagride
• miff
• undo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appease
• placate
• satisfy
• pacify
• oblige
• conciliate
• delight
• gratify
• please
• mollify
• propitiate
• assure
• comfort
• content
• soothe
• reassure
• cheer
• gladden
• quiet
• console
• solace

2

as in to provoke

to rouse to strong feeling or action

their sarcastic comments piqued him to respond in kind

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• arouse
• stir
• excite
• inspire
• spark
• incite
• motivate
• motive
• move
• induce
• fire (up)
• rev (up)
• instigate
• impassion
• trigger
• drive
• ignite
• anger
• inflame
• galvanize
• build a fire under
• enflame
• energize
• set off
• fan
• activate
• kindle
• bother
• enrage
• foment
• vitalize
• quicken
• animate
• upset
• annoy
• irritate
• ferment
• key (up)
• exasperate
• tease
• pump up
• taunt
• abet
• aggravate
• whip (up)
• raise
• vex
• jeer
• get
• madden
• gall

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• soothe
• subdue
• appease
• placate
• tranquillize
• pacify
• mollify
• tranquilize

3

as in to pride

to think highly of (oneself)

she piques herself on her considerable musical abilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pride
• congratulate
• plume
• flatter
• brag
• vaunt
• vapor
• boast
• swank
• swagger
• gasconade
• felicitate
• crow
• swash

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

Recent Examples of pique

Noun

Is there an opportunity to launch a new exotic or trendy flavor to pique the interest of younger shoppers looking for intriguing snacks? —Michael Della Penna, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

But they can’t be imposed capriciously, in fits of pique or in direct contravention of our laws. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025

Verb

Mamdani’s campaign has piqued the interest of many Indian, Pakistani and other South Asian Americans, as well as Muslims — even those who may not agree with Mamdani on many issues. —Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025

These hands-on crafts soon piqued her interest in something sweeter. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 16 June 2025