pique 1 of 2

pique

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verb

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as in to pride
to think highly of (oneself) she piques herself on her considerable musical abilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pique distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of pique are dudgeon, huff, offense, resentment, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When is it sensible to use dudgeon instead of pique?

In some situations, the words dudgeon and pique are roughly equivalent. However, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When can huff be used instead of pique?

The meanings of huff and pique largely overlap; however, huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When would offense be a good substitute for pique?

The words offense and pique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When is resentment a more appropriate choice than pique?

While in some cases nearly identical to pique, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

When might umbrage be a better fit than pique?

The synonyms umbrage and pique are sometimes interchangeable, but umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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 pique
Noun
But they can’t be imposed capriciously, in fits of pique or in direct contravention of our laws. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025 Henry, who has psychokinetic powers and an unpredictable temper, apparently blinded a neighbor kid in a fit of pique, forcing the Creels to skedaddle to Indiana. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Matt Wagner had read an article about Archway Homes in the newspaper, finding many things that piqued his interest. Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 25 May 2025 When the Oliver Stone movie came out, that really piqued the interest in the Doors again. Steve Baltin, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
  • He’s allowed to feel the frustration and anger at them.
    Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • One legacy of Biden’s disastrous 2024 campaign has Democratic anger at the refusal of some elderly politicians to recognize when the time has come to cede the spotlight.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Francie instantly annoys Nat by kissing Pete hello, and the two women start yelling at each other immediately.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 27 June 2025
  • If visible bulbs and cables annoy you, these aren’t for you.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • News of the plan, which was developed by city administrators but has not been publicly vetted or discussed, has provoked considerable consternation in political, downtown, cultural and preservation circles.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • While rare, there have been cases of attacks on humans when provoked or during spearfishing when blood or movement may trigger their instincts.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • For over 100 years, Samsonite has prided itself on producing high-quality suitcases and travel bags that are built to last—and right now, the brand is hosting a Summer Savings Event, offering major discounts on pieces that our team of writers and editors has tried and tested for themselves.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
  • King further explained that the plotline is meant to show a different side to Charlotte, who has always prided herself on having everything under control.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Getty Images To date, the post has amassed more than 900 comments from TikTok viewers, many of them poking fun at the golden retriever mother's annoyed expression and shallow huffs.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Jake Paul’s everyday unscented face wash avoids irritating fragrances but is infused with vitamin B3 to help keep your skin hydrated.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • Work exposures: If you are frequently exposed to irritating chemicals or substances, your risk of dermatitis is higher.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The return of blue-book exams might disadvantage students who were encouraged to master typing at a young age.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Popular online influencers with millions of followers have encouraged Holocaust denial.
    Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • If Waldron wasn’t battered, then Phillies starter Zack Wheeler was hardly bothered.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • While notification bundles were an option before, they were primarily used for messaging, and not all developers bothered.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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