Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective piquant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of piquant are poignant, pungent, and racy. While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency.

a piquant sauce

In what contexts can poignant take the place of piquant?

Although the words poignant and piquant have much in common, poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

When is it sensible to use pungent instead of piquant?

The synonyms pungent and piquant are sometimes interchangeable, but pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

When might racy be a better fit than piquant?

The words racy and piquant can be used in similar contexts, but racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of piquant But none of these things feels piquant in this production. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025 In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 Splendid orange animal piper on the label of this 14% alcohol wine that includes piqued and piquant aromas of blue fruit, vanilla, orange peels, wet granite, fern glen, soda lime and flint. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piquant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant
Adjective
  • For decor, Pollock says to let bold colors and spicy details bring the flavor.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
  • There are also bento boxes, spicy tuna bowls, and crispy tempura.
    Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The flapjack was fluffy, the taters were crunchy and buttery, the chorizo had a spicy kick, and the pungent sourdough bread crunched.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • According to a Newsweek report on a YouGov poll, more than 80% of Americans consider disruptive behaviors—such as letting children play in the aisles, or eating pungent food—to be unacceptable.
    Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Benny’s struggles are emotionally poignant, and once Carmen figures out his secret, the show is able to go to some interesting places.
    Nina Metz Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025
  • Over 50 Indigenous designers took part in the weekend, each one debuting avant-garde creations with a poignant cultural flair.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our Pickled de Gallo includes a zesty mix of yellow bell pepper, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, herbs and spices (and of course, pickles) to create the perfect salsa.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
  • Mariner’s Bar: Located near the hotel’s main entry, this cozy bar features a fireplace and a menu of Southern California-style zesty cocktails.
    Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The competition ended with a delicious buffet lunch attended by 500 people.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
  • This recipe would be delicious served at brunch as easily as after supper.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Try adding them as breakfast toppings, pairing them with a savory lunch, or blending them into smoothies to help boost your strawberry consumption.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
  • Quiche Lorraine–a savory tart with bacon, cheese and eggs—is ideally matched with a white Burgundy like chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune, such as meursault or Puligny-Montrachet, to balance the richness of eggs properly.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Vlasic Kosher Dill Spears Dill pickles can range in taste from salty to tangy and sour, and these pickles fell on the more sour range of that spectrum.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
  • Avoid acidic, salty, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that can irritate your mouth or cause minor injuries that can trigger canker sores.
    Sarah Jividen, Health, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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