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
  • Get the party started with these sweet and spicy chicken wings.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 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
  • Roasting them low and slow in a preheated oven, or cooking them slowly in a slow cooker, smoker, or sous vide before finishing on the grill or under the broiler, can all yield tender, delicious results.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
  • Instead, start the day with a lavish breakfast buffet at La Sala, piled with delicious local specialties, fresh tropical fruits, and mouthwatering international favorites.
    Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Available in the brand’s cheery Blueberry and Raspberry colors, the lightweight pan is made from aluminized steel for even browning and has a dual-layered nonstick ceramic coating that helps sweet and savory bakes slide right out.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2025
  • Each bite is packed with sweet and savory tomato flavor that's complemented by the salty feta cheese.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 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 8 Jul. 2025.

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