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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Teaninich 8 Year Old ‘Daring Rye’ is a single grain whisky made with rye in the mashbill—uncommon but not unheard of in scotch whisky—giving it nice spice notes along with classic flavors picked up from its maturation in bourbon barrels.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
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Buttery and packed with spice, the Cajun compound butter really takes this turkey to the next level without being overly spicy.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Chop herbs, zest citrus and measure dry ingredients for baking so everything is ready to go when the cooking starts.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
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Remove skillet from heat; uncover and stir in lemon zest and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquancy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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