as in anger
the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity
in a fit of pique she posted embarrassing photos of her ex-boyfriend on the Internet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
her seat companion piqued her by repeatedly poking her in the ribs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
their sarcastic comments piqued him to respond in kind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of pique
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
Hobert wanted to pique listeners’ interest.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
Already under construction, the $7 million expansion could be open to visitors as soon as next spring, the Business Journal reported, adding that hotel officials hope the new outdoor amenities pique the interest of families and leisure travelers.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Noun
No way the continually warring Gallagher brothers would make it through the first 17 shows in the U.K. and Ireland the past six weeks and arrive in North America without one of them throwing a punch at the other or smashing a guitar in a fit of pique.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
Hobert wanted to pique listeners’ interest.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
However, a suspicious hit to an IP address belonging to a device on a boat off of Barbados has reportedly piqued authorities’ interest.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
Already under construction, the $7 million expansion could be open to visitors as soon as next spring, the Business Journal reported, adding that hotel officials hope the new outdoor amenities pique the interest of families and leisure travelers.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
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Our hero is also being coveted by a crime boss, and as he gets pulled further and further into this world, Farrell has to show his inner violence and anger breaking through.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
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Symptoms can include memory loss, impulse control problems, anxiety, depression and anger issues.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The situation could be taken as concerning for Alonso, given the precedents of previous Madrid coaches who have tried to impose a certain style of play, or who otherwise annoy superstar players used to having things more their own way.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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One report, citing a source close to Sheridan, even claimed the writer was annoyed that Paramount sent too many of its top suits to a meeting designed to keep Sheridan onboard, arguing that Ellison had messed up by bringing more than two execs along with him.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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However, this year's ad has provoked widespread criticism, with some even calling for a boycott of Sephora.—
Reia Li,
AZCentral.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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These characters are so thin, their storylines so flimsy and their motives so underbaked that there’s no recognizable emotion underlying any of it, and thus no feeling to be provoked by watching it.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Yet in a move that’s out of character for the automaker that prides itself on offering seemingly unlimited levels of customization, each car will be identical—there’s no option for personalization.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
22 Oct. 2025
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Self-care can feel like a luxury for busy leaders who pride themselves on hard work and consistent productivity.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Lloyd evaded a diving Mahomes, Kareem Hunt and a streaking Tyquan Thornton for a huff-and-puff 99-yard interception return for a touchdown.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
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Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Molnar said the team wanted to design a system that avoided irritating brain tissue.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
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But Chelsea won’t have it, shutting the whole thing down in a way that clearly irritates her.—
Anne Victoria Clark,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Instead of scrolling through Instagram—or, admittedly, hitting the snooze button a few too many times—Vig encourages you to spend that time sprucing up your space.—
Kelsey Mulvey,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
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Police are encouraging anyone with knowledge of the crash to come forward with further details.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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One person familiar with Tuesday’s heated discussion within the caucus says there appears to be at least eight Democratic votes to reopen the government — even though progressive Democratic senators vented their frustration with the potential deal.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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