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
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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
Steven A. Cook, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2022
As with so many of Trump’s policy pursuits, an element of personal pique may be at play, too.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Tim Britton, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Woods' interest was piqued immediately, and the partnership was decided.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Noun
Notwithstanding his pique at Biden’s treatment of him, MBS is looking to the United States to provide a more reliable deterrent against Iran’s nuclear and regional ambitions and more effective means for Saudi Arabia to defend itself against the missile and drone attacks of Iran’s proxies.
—Steven A. Cook, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2022
As with so many of Trump’s policy pursuits, an element of personal pique may be at play, too.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
The combination of Nicolaisen’s knowledge of the technology and his ability to communicate it simply piqued Albert’s interest.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Woods' interest was piqued immediately, and the partnership was decided.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
-
Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to …boffo box office!—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The focal point of our anger and pain may not even know we are hurt.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Easily annoyed by noises like gum smacking or cereal slurping.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
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The controversy over attire comes just two months after Zelensky was criticized and called disrespectful by a reporter at the White House for not wearing a suit during his visit to the Oval Office, with reports suggesting that Trump was annoyed by Zelensky's choice of clothing.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
These tales were layered, open to interpretation, and meant to provoke reflection and herein lies their enduring power.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Trump’s comments have provoked a strong reaction, including boycotts on U.S. goods and protests.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
While creating an institution with various campuses across the globe that prides itself on community outreach and investing millions into affordable housing and anti-poverty programs, Jakes has become a multimillionaire businessman in part as an author and playwright.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
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But there’s room for another, especially for a coaching staff that prides itself in developing defensive backs.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
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Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.—
Oshan Jarow,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
Verb
-
Pairing some active ingredients can irritate the skin, and other combinations may reduce the effectiveness of the ingredients.1 1.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
18 Apr. 2025
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This can be particularly irritating to eczema-prone skin.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Allure,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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During the Obama administration, beginning in 2009 and culminating with major rule expansions in 2012, changes to federal economy regulations inadvertently encouraged automakers to build bigger, heavier vehicles instead of lighter, more efficient ones.—
Chadwick Hagan,
National Review,
1 May 2025
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According to the pharmaceutical company, the campaign encourages people to proactively discuss their acute pain management plan with their doctor and support system.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Travel delays don’t bother Blues The Blues got stuck in Winnipeg after Game 5 due to an issue with the plane that was bringing them back to St. Louis.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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Luckily, my dog doesn’t bother the plants—except the ones in the garden—but this plant stand gives me peace of mind anyway.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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