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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When brewed with both milk and water, the cardamom-rich spice blend spreads a soothing warmth through my entire soul.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Apr. 2025
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Blossoming flowers in all variations serve as a versatile base, contrasting and blending numerous notes—from fresh citrus to woody spice—for a scent profile that’s far more unique.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Aromas of Gala apple, lemon pith, and white citrus blossoms draw you in for flavors of Anjou pear, lemon zest, and brown baking spices with precisely balanced acidity in the midpalate.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
24 Apr. 2025
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Common flavors include white peach, pear, honeydew, honeysuckle, and sometimes a touch of citrus zest.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquancy. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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