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
But there’s a special spice, a special piquancy, to our Reacherism right now.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2024
Tender chunks of pork shoulder are braised in an aromatic broth of onions, garlic, serrano chiles and, most notably, green Hatch chiles, which cut through the rich stew with their distinctive piquancy.
—Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2023
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
James Parker, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2024
Tender chunks of pork shoulder are braised in an aromatic broth of onions, garlic, serrano chiles and, most notably, green Hatch chiles, which cut through the rich stew with their distinctive piquancy.
—Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2023
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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Furthermore, some data suggests that the spice's rare toxicity may be linked to aberrant immune responses to curcumin, which may lead immune cells to attack the liver.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 July 2025
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My favorite is the ham and Gouda sandwich, but my husband’s shawarma burger, coated with Middle Eastern spices, was also delicious.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Transfer to a wide bowl, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with lemon zest and cilantro, and serve hot.—
Greg Chelmis,
Saveur,
10 July 2025
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The finish is long, with layered complexity and lingering notes of oak spice and citrus zest.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquancy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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