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
-
The higher fat content is a nice counterbalance to the richness of the tea and spices, but also lends the drink a better, less watery consistency.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
13 June 2025
-
This uncut, unfiltered whiskey clocks in at 126 proof and is a superlative example of Kentucky-style rye that expertly balances notes of sweetness and spice.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
Scents of tropical flowers, pomelo, bergamot, citrus zest, and hints of lychee complement tasting notes of fresh pineapple, white flower, and subtle basil and lemongrass.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
17 June 2025
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The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of pipe tobacco, orange zest, and baking spices.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquancy. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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