pique 1 of 2

pique

2 of 2

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
Hobert wanted to pique listeners’ interest. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025 By gently twisting the wooden dowel against the metal, users can create subtle, variable sounds that pique the curiosity of nearby birds, often drawing them in for closer observation. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links., FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
Reporters meet with a lot of companies and are trained to be on the lookout for stories that might pique the public’s interest. Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 His story in the Vancouver Sun piqued interest among readers. Alexandra Marvar, AFAR Media, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
  • For Yankees fans, there will be anger.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Through sharp wit and deep introspection, Wood reveals the wisdom he’s gathered—from knowing when to hold your tongue to learning how to channel anger into purpose.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • He was annoyed when people advocated that.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Some people may be annoyed with thousands of fake videos of themselves flooding the internet, but Paul seems to be amused by it.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The combined vaccine has been extensively studied and consistently shown to provoke an immune response comparable to what’s seen when the individual vaccines are given separately, and without raising the risk of serious side effects.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Things that are shocking and terrible provoke our curiosity; if nothing ever went wrong, there would be no newspapers.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The starting quarterback has been injured for virtually all of the season, there’s been a revolving door at wide receiver, the defense has zero interceptions and an offense that prides itself on running the ball hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • For a company that has prided itself on organizational stability throughout Cook’s tenure, the simultaneous departure of multiple senior executives marks a significant shift.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Combining three different actives (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) in one product without totally irritating the skin seems like an impossible task, yet Some by Mi has accomplished it with this ease.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink through a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel and irritating the esophagus.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Eating seasonally encourages a more varied diet that can support overall health and help the body adapt to seasonal changes.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • House Republicans haven’t even bothered to show up to work since the shutdown began.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • What continued to bother him was the strange feeling of impending disaster.
    Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pique

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