pique 1 of 2

pique

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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
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 Bikini tops and bottoms are sized XS to XL; men’s trunk are 30 to 40 and XS to XXL; women’s one-piece is XS to XXL; pique polos are S to XL, and pareos are one size. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
His story in the Vancouver Sun piqued interest among readers. Alexandra Marvar, AFAR Media, 23 Sep. 2025 Horror maestro Jordan Peele may not have written or directed HIM, but there's no denying that seeing his name attached to a project tends to pique fan interest. Megan McCluskey, Time, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
  • Verbatim Reginald Dwayne Betts A 2012 essay from the American Poetry Review on poetry and the architecture of anger.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Morocco Anti-government protests fueled by anger over Morocco pouring money into preparations for the 2030 World Cup instead of public services have raged in the country for nearly a week.
    Connor Greene, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The New York Yankees were annoyed by the way several members of the 2024 Dodgers spent the offseason taking potshots at their World Series opponent.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • While some fans weren’t overly concerned about the picture, arguing the players were just having fun, others were annoyed to see Bronco athletes decked out in the gear of a regional school.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Throughout the weekend, McIlroy and other European players sparred with fans, provoking the Irish golfer in at least one instance to yell back at the crowd, while others flashed middle fingers in response to the jeers.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Yet, as many observers predicted, attempts to extend transatlantic cohesion through NATO expansion ultimately provoked a Russian reaction that a transatlantic relationship premised on economic cooperation might not have had.
    JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Much like Chicago, Milwaukee is a team that prides itself on stellar defense and an excellent bullpen.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Unlike national franchises, the firm prides itself on offering a deeply personal approach, ensuring each client is supported through what is often one of life’s most stressful transitions.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Getty Images To date, the post has amassed more than 900 comments from TikTok viewers, many of them poking fun at the golden retriever mother's annoyed expression and shallow huffs.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • His eerie calm seems to irritate Dawn even more than a candidly emotional confrontation would have done.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Attendees left the event with tourniquets or trauma bandages and were encouraged to reach out to Bound Tree Medical to purchase additional supplies for their congregations.
    Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Deadheading encourages chocolate cosmos plants to produce more flower buds, keeping plants productive.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Reviewing pages have been thinned by the forces of history and technology; few Pynchon skeptics anymore bother to take the time to read the novels and register their objections.
    Book Marks October 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But Bob Say, owner of Los Angeles’ Freakbeat Records, for one, isn’t all that bothered.
    Roy Trakin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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