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
-
Glade Plug-In Apple Cinnamon Refills, 5-Pack This fragrance is a little sweet, a little spicy, and 100 percent comforting — definitely not your typical overpowering air freshener.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Rally’s is launching two new spicy Western-style burgers in California.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
To be going home to Sunday dinner at one o’clock, sweat socks pungent from twenty-one innings of softball, underwear athletically gamy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg typically work best for sweet dishes, while cloves or other types of spice blends usually pair best with more pungent, savory ones.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Directed by Seryeong Jeong, this poignant drama reveals how empathy can bloom even in darkness.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Gypsy had originally been adopted from the same shelter years before, making her return especially poignant for staff and volunteers.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
White wine, shallots, and lemon zest and juice build on what the butter and garlic get started, and a couple tablespoons of capers give the dish a zesty tang.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
15 Oct. 2025
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According to information obtained by PEOPLE, Retro Diet Coke Lime is returning to shelves nationwide, with its signature zesty lime kick that first won hearts before being discontinued in 2018.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Give your slow-cooker the night off because this fan-favorite chili relies on the Instant Pot for a quick and delicious option.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
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The local food scene has been heating up with dozens of delicious Indian restaurants.—
Chyna Blackmon,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The smoky-sweet sauce on the tender pulled brisket beautifully balances the creamy, savory macaroni and cheese.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
-
From savory chili to a decadent tiramisu, here are 7 ways to make the most of Autumn’s best flavor.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Our food was mainly cooked with salty water brought from wells—generated by some neighbors’ solar panels.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Desalination The Texas Water Development Board estimates there’s approximately 3 billion acre feet of salty brackish groundwater in the state.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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