PIQUANT Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

piquant

adjective

ˈpē-kənt

Definition of piquant

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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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 Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026 Red cabbage, carrots and Tuscan kale form the base, bound together with a piquant balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026 The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Sustained support from the strings gives way to watery ripples and busy chatters, with piquant harmonic implications. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for piquant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant

Adjective

In a collaboration with a local coffee roaster that’s also informed by his Hmong heritage, Minneapolis chef Yia Vang developed this earthy, spicy steak rub.

— Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 25 July 2026
The resulting whiskey offers caramel, brown sugar, and baking spice aromas, with a sweet and spicy finish, designed primarily for sipping.

— Emily Price, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of spicy

Adjective

If random disclosure of common-sense-defying detail is your idea of a searing, poignant journey into the light of faith, there’s more where that came from.

— Matthew Walther, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
The defeat was especially poignant for Lionel Messi, who left the field in tears after collecting his runners-up medal in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 July 2026

Definition of poignant

Adjective

Bold citrus flavors mingle with piney hop notes and a crisp bitterness, creating a clean-drinking IPA with a zesty finish that keeps you coming back for more.

— Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
Tangy pepperoncinis and zesty ranch dressing mix come together to add layers of flavor to bone-in pork chops.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Definition of zesty

Adjective

With delicious options for chicken, steak, seafood, pork, and veggies, these versatile grilling recipes are great for family dinners or easy entertaining.

— Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 25 July 2026
The Sacramento Bee went on a search on behalf of the vegan/vegetarian fair goer and found delicious meals for anyone to enjoy.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 25, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

The wings are savory, fragrant, and mildly spicy, with a subtle numbing sensation from the peppercorns that adds depth without overpowering the dish.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
The Great Minnesota Get-Together is leaning into its reputation for over-the-top fare in 2026, unveiling 36 new foods ranging from savory mashups to quirky sweet treats, including Pickle Pie, an Apple Donut Ham Grinder and Dill With It, Cookie!

— Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Definition of savory

Adjective

This project might strike you as dystopian and disturbing, or exciting and encouraging – and its ethical soundness comes down to a few key factors, several experts told CNN.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Francisco Lindor is one of the most exciting and appealing players in the history of the New York Mets.

— Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Definition of exciting

Adjective

The water is very salty – often five to 10 times as salty as seawater.

— Nathaniel Warner, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Sweet, salty, and nutty, these gluten-free protein bars contain organic honey, dark chocolate chips, and sea salt and feature a cookie dough-like texture.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

Definition of salty

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pique

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“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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