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 And here’s the piquant spoiler: To a man, the three list Baeza high in their picks. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The sauce is a piquant blend of tomato and vinegar that complements the pork shoulder. Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for piquant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant
Adjective
  • Produced by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Belle Meade Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that offers a rich and spicy profile.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • On Thursday, July 10, the beloved Snack Wrap — available in spicy and ranch varieties — returns.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a different context, the same pungent word applied to his devastating 2 a.m. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
    Rich Lowry, National Review, 23 June 2025
  • That goes for bars of pungent soap, essential oils, sonic repellant devices, and hanging up pennies in bags of water, a favorite Internet myth.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The rediscovery comes at a poignant time for Dana and her family.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 June 2025
  • In one of the film’s most poignant moments, Johan lovingly applies Testogel to William’s thighs.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Peach Ginger Bourbon Spritz At Saltwood Bar at Loews Atlanta Hotel, a refreshing blend of smooth bourbon and zesty lemon juice, topped with Betty Booze’s apple, ginger and sour cherry infusion, and finished with a fragrant mint sprig and lemon garnish for a burst of summer in every sip.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The zesty homemade dressing and interesting additions like mini mozzarella balls make this recipe a keeper.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Pick up some bright red tomatoes for a salad, homemade soap, vegetables for a delicious dinner or fresh bread straight from the oven at your local market.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • Since the lawyers meet to try the city’s best restaurant, there are plenty of close-ups of their meals and everything looks delicious.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to pantry staples, the only ingredient needed to pull together this savory corn pudding is six cups of fresh corn.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • Keep an eye out for these incoming sweet treats, savory feasts and refreshing drinks on Cal Expo grounds.
    Irene Milanez, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • When temperatures are high, water also evaporates faster and waters — particularly in shallow coastal areas like Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay — can get too salty, Koch said.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • With salty snacks currently representing 10% of Hershey’s total revenue, the division has set an audacious goal to double that contribution over the next decade.
    Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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