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
Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
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
Rachel McRady, People.com, 5 May 2025
His ability to take the top off defenses and create explosive plays in the passing game will certainly pique the interest of NFL offensive coordinators looking to add a dynamic element to their receiving corps.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Noun
There’s a knowing performative element to Singer’s pique, yet Freedman’s passion appears genuine, even personal.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
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
Verb
The Universal Soldier star, 63, is preparing to release her debut novel, The Light Runner, that is sure to pique the interest of thriller readers everywhere.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 5 May 2025
His ability to take the top off defenses and create explosive plays in the passing game will certainly pique the interest of NFL offensive coordinators looking to add a dynamic element to their receiving corps.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
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Down encourages readers to use their righteous anger toward rebuilding a fractured world.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
22 May 2025
-
Told in the first person, the story explores a lot of the feelings that Helen experiences: frustration and anger and love for her friend.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
21 May 2025
Verb
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But until Tuesday afternoon, four days out, there had been no announcement of what acts would be performing, or even where the show would be held The radio silence annoyed fans, who said so online.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2025
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Nearly one-half of Republicans (52%) are annoyed with how much attention is being paid to climate change vs. only 13% for Democrats.—
Robert G. Eccles,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Doctors gave her Pitocin, a medication used to provoke contractions, and a Foley balloon, which is a catheter-like device that gets the cervix to dilate.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
20 May 2025
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But if Washington follows a few principles, such improvements will not necessarily provoke Chinese aggression.—
Oriana Skylar Mastro,
Foreign Affairs,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Experience Horse Showmanship As the Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World, Shelbyville prides itself on its connection to horses.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
-
The school prides itself on promoting fundamental Biblical values.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
21 May 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
-
Use your hands: Since washcloths and sponges can irritate the skin, apply cleansers using your fingers, moving then over the skin in a circular motion.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2025
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Aggressive or improper neck manipulation can irritate or compress nerves in your cervical spine, causing pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or tingling that radiates into your shoulders, arms, or hands.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Trump was in the Middle Eastern country Tuesday along with several tech CEO’s to encourage further investment.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Or Xander Schauffele, the defending PGA champion who is surely not bothered by the lack of attention on him early this week.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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That doesn’t mean the implication doesn’t bother him.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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