Synonyms of piquancy

piquancy

noun

ˈpē-kən(t)-sē 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spice
• zest
• tang
• pungency
• zing
• excitement
• flavor
• thrill
• spiciness
• nip
• stimulation
• hotness
• bitterness
• stimulus
• acuteness
• raciness
• invigoration
• stimulant
• provocativeness
• fieriness
• sharpness
• savor
• keenness
• savoriness
• tastiness
• redolence
• mordancy
• trenchancy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insipidity
• flatness
• tastelessness
• predictability
• dullness
• monotony
• insipidity
• sameness
• tediousness
• weakness
• platitude
• blandness
• thinness
• monotonousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of piquancy

That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026

The most notable part of this gag was not the joke itself, a standard late-night quip delivered with appropriate piquancy. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025

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