Definition of piquantnext

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 It is often topped with crispy and raw onions, slathered with piquant sauces (including rémoulade and sweet brown mustard), and served on a toasted bun. Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2025 Cosplay furthers the cause with a dazzling array of comic pop culture references, repurposed arcana, and piquant sonic signifiers from the annals of indie-rock. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2025 Try the Mezzrole, a piquant blend of French limes, Pickett’s spicy-sweet ginger syrup, and tart rice vinegar that finishes with notes of sea salt. Chala June, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025 The spicy Korean burger is for the more adventurous among us, but the piquant pickled slaw on top is super addictive. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piquant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant
Adjective
  • Oh My Burger in the Coachella Courtyard, with thick single or double smashburgers generously doused in a spicy special sauce with pickles and melted cheese on a croissant bun.
    Senior Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The Artemis 2 crew had items such as sweet and sour chicken, Kona coffee with cream, butternut squash and spicy green beans.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That's because, while garlic is a delicious food that adds rich flavor to your favorite recipes, this pungent plant can also repel an assortment of common garden pests, from aphids to deer.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
  • On a searing hot day in Mattiyarenthal, a village in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, women farmers toil over chile pepper plants as their sharp, pungent scent fills the air.
    Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The poignant Moon glides into your habitual 6th house, nudging you to refine workflows and tend to health habits with commitment.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The result is an often exhilarating, often disturbing and always poignant tale of an artist and adventurer who lived to challenge the limits of what humans could do.
    Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Grab a slice to top your favorite citrusy cookies, or add it to breakfast pancakes for a zesty twist.
    Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
  • This is our go-to zesty punch for summertime gatherings.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The parathas, as the savory flatbreads are called, stuffed with onion and paneer and coated with a generous amount of butter, are as delicious as ever.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
  • This simple combination of strawberries, lemon, basil, and sugar is the key to so many fruit-forward desserts, but the sweet mixture is just as delicious when enjoyed on its own.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Top with sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, garlicky spinach, or other favorite veggies for a savory boost.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Why Lemon Is Perfect for Spring With their vibrant yellow color and bright, acidic taste, lemons are a refreshing way to transition your cooking from savory winter dishes to lighter spring meals.
    Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The hospital confirmed the exciting news to ABC News and celebrated the babies' arrival in an April 9 Facebook post.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • On the page, ex-gangster Henry Hill’s story is exciting enough.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The crust on this Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie is made from pretzel sticks and butter, which add a salty balance to the filling, a cool and creamy mixture of strawberries, condensed milk, and cream cheese.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Oaxacan String Cheese Tacos Stretchy, salty Oaxacan cheese sears hard on a pan on one side while the other side melts onto a tortilla.
    Deputy Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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