as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a piquant tidbit of information about the new neighbors the piquant cuisine of India boasts some highly spiced dishes
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Recent Examples of piquant
This technique involves high-heat oven roasting, which deepens the tomato flavor, softens the onions and garlic, and imparts a subtle smoky note, resulting in a vibrant and piquant salsa.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
From plates of Jamon Iberico and piquant tomato salads to fresh sea bass and succulent steaks, the vibe here harnesses a hyper-local sensibility that roots you in the destination.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
It’s slicked with tomato and distinguished by a piquant sweet and sour sauce (or agrodolce), studded with sharp, briny olives and capers, and sweetened with raisins and honey.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
Or hamachi crudo in a piquant blend of fish sauce, lime juice, and peach.
—Lia Picard, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for piquant
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
From plates of Jamon Iberico and piquant tomato salads to fresh sea bass and succulent steaks, the vibe here harnesses a hyper-local sensibility that roots you in the destination.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
It’s slicked with tomato and distinguished by a piquant sweet and sour sauce (or agrodolce), studded with sharp, briny olives and capers, and sweetened with raisins and honey.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
Or hamachi crudo in a piquant blend of fish sauce, lime juice, and peach.
—Lia Picard, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for piquant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant
Adjective
-
Tender and with just a hint of salinity, fresh hauls come in from just off the coast and are served brilliantly with salad and spicy butter.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Buttery and packed with spice, the Cajun compound butter really takes this turkey to the next level without being overly spicy.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
At the cocktail bar Muamba, owner Yvens Penna brightens a classic margarita with homemade chicória soda crafted from a pungent local herb that tastes like cilantro on steroids.—
Michael Snyder,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
-
To keep pungent grease smells at bay, plan to thoroughly clean your range hood, specifically the vent, every 3 to 6 months.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
But for those crafting it with Boorman, the nightmare is more painful and more poignant than that.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
-
But there’s something different — something more poignant — about watching this particular circle begin to vanish.—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The clothes were superb, peerlessly realized and immediately desirable; sometimes young and zesty, but most often the pinnacle of adult sophistication.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Together the flavor is muddled, slightly discordant, but alone the Irish whiskey gets to sing, its apples and pears and slight malt and gentle touch a perfect foil to the zesty front palate of the lemon and the deep finish of the almonds.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But harness a touch of Scotland’s inimitable peat, and the Rob Roy really steps into its own, the vermouth offering sweetness to the scotch’s smoke, their interplay both delicious and unique.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Greet guests with a warm welcome, a house drink, and a few delicious appetizers.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The rest of the lineup is inspired by Thanksgiving with more savory references like Turkey & Stuffing, Sweet Potato, Creamed Corn and Cranberry Sauce.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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Shallots and garlic add a mild, savory bite that deepens the flavor without overpowering.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Hurricane season, monsoons, and extreme heat can all impact your trip, and while some holidays add an exciting dose of flavor, others may shut down key attractions or restaurants.—
Jim Augerinos,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
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Chalotra still excels at giving Yennefer a desperate rage that makes her sorceress scenes visceral and exciting.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
More surprisingly, many report food cravings—especially for salty foods, sweets, and chocolate.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
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Her sharp, salty performance as Flo, a tough-talking waitress and confidant to Ellen Burstyn’s title character, earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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