Synonyms of pique

pique 1 of 2

noun

ˈpēk 

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

• anger
• huff
• offence
• frustration
• indignation
• irritation
• dudgeon
• resentment
• umbrage
• exasperation
• outrage
• annoyance
• displeasure
• peeve
• miff
• discomfort
• offense
• ire
• grief
• indignity
• upset
• agitation
• distress
• insult
• perturbation
• fit
• temper
• vexation
• affront
• aggravation
• angriness
• bother
• dander
• pet
• tantrum
• disturbance
• slight
• tizzy
• barb
• irateness
• pouts
• slap
• slur
• sulk(s)
• botheration
• dig
• brickbat
• put-down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• satisfaction
• delight
• pleasure
• pacification
• appeasement
• gratification
• happiness
• contentment
• mollification

pique

2 of 2

verb

ˈpēk 

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

• annoy
• irritate
• bother
• bug
• persecute
• aggravate
• infuriate
• exasperate
• anger
• irk
• spite
• rile
• get
• vex
• itch
• worry
• grate
• ruffle
• burn (up)
• provoke
• chafe
• eat
• gripe
• get to
• wear on
• tease
• put out
• nettle
• insult
• gall
• nark
• frost
• peeve
• plague
• hack (off)
• rouse
• rub the wrong way
• rasp
• offend
• enrage
• enflame
• upset
• stick in one's craw
• outrage
• get on one's nerves
• inflame
• get one's goat
• set one's teeth on edge
• harass
• nag
• heckle
• unsettle
• antagonize
• agitate
• disquiet
• rankle
• distress
• discomfort
• hassle
• bait
• affront
• perturb
• badger
• roil
• devil
• discompose
• pester
• harry
• exercise
• unhinge
• madden
• incense
• bullyrag
• fret
• freak (out)
• ballyrag
• hagride
• miff
• undo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appease
• placate
• satisfy
• pacify
• oblige
• conciliate
• delight
• gratify
• please
• mollify
• propitiate
• assure
• comfort
• content
• soothe
• reassure
• cheer
• gladden
• quiet
• console
• solace

2

as in to provoke

to rouse to strong feeling or action

their sarcastic comments piqued him to respond in kind

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• arouse
• stir
• excite
• inspire
• spark
• incite
• motivate
• motive
• move
• induce
• fire (up)
• rev (up)
• instigate
• impassion
• trigger
• drive
• ignite
• anger
• inflame
• galvanize
• build a fire under
• enflame
• energize
• set off
• fan
• activate
• kindle
• bother
• enrage
• foment
• vitalize
• quicken
• animate
• upset
• annoy
• irritate
• ferment
• key (up)
• exasperate
• tease
• pump up
• taunt
• abet
• aggravate
• whip (up)
• raise
• vex
• jeer
• get
• madden
• gall

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• soothe
• subdue
• appease
• placate
• tranquillize
• pacify
• mollify
• tranquilize

3

as in to pride

to think highly of (oneself)

she piques herself on her considerable musical abilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pride
• congratulate
• plume
• flatter
• brag
• vaunt
• vapor
• boast
• swank
• swagger
• gasconade
• felicitate
• crow
• swash

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

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