as in infuriated
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1
as in annoyed
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 provoked
to rouse to strong feeling or action
their sarcastic comments piqued him to respond in kind
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prided
to think highly of (oneself)
she piques herself on her considerable musical abilities
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of piqued
Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 15 May 2026
And given that no other team has been credibly linked to Rodgers, the transaction piqued a lot of people’s curiosity.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Mertzel's room-temperature finding piqued her interest.
—Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
However, this latest incarnation has some sensational digital magic attached that has piqued our interest.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 May 2026
When looking to update the sconces in my primary bathroom, my interest was especially piqued by In Common With’s double-glass sconces, a modern silhouette set on a red backplate.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
And watching Lee in action more than piqued his interest.
—Mike Kaye
may 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 May 2026
Its price point and fuel mileage paired with a modern style has piqued consumers’ interest over the traditional Corolla or Crossover in the fleet.
—Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
This one piqued my curiosity as it’s packed with nourishing ingredients for healthy lashes.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
The billionaire Tom Steyer seemed to have piqued the curiosity of online influencer Jason Chu.
—Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 15 May 2026
And given that no other team has been credibly linked to Rodgers, the transaction piqued a lot of people’s curiosity.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Mertzel's room-temperature finding piqued her interest.
—Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
However, this latest incarnation has some sensational digital magic attached that has piqued our interest.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 May 2026
When looking to update the sconces in my primary bathroom, my interest was especially piqued by In Common With’s double-glass sconces, a modern silhouette set on a red backplate.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
And watching Lee in action more than piqued his interest.
—Mike Kaye
may 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 May 2026
Its price point and fuel mileage paired with a modern style has piqued consumers’ interest over the traditional Corolla or Crossover in the fleet.
—Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
This one piqued my curiosity as it’s packed with nourishing ingredients for healthy lashes.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piqued
Verb
-
To Henry, this would have been for the greater good of English football, but the reaction was again one of anger and Henry was annoyed that the idea was killed off.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the president doesn’t get annoyed with him once or twice.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Perhaps the Portuguese’s midweek recognition — an accolade Odegaard may have received in 2024 had things ended differently — provoked his inner ego.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Wasps are territorial creatures that can aggressively defend their nests and protect their young if provoked.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Cannes, after all, has always prided itself on discovering and nurturing new talent — and pushing the envelope of what cinema both is and can be.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
The Timberwolves have long prided themselves on being the type of group that performs best with their backs planted firmly against the wall.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
But while others are outraged on his behalf, and the audience continues to litigate the show’s end, Colbert remains positive and radiates gratitude.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
Blackwell was outraged that Stallone was fashioning himself into a style rebel by breaking tradition and showing up collar open, with no bow tie.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
The Vedder Cup is a tongue-in-cheek attempt to pair the Padres and Mariners as rivals despite the two teams not having much reason to get all hot and bothered about a series.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
-
He has since been elected to the state Senate twice, in one of Iowa’s bluest areas; both times, no Republican bothered to run.—
Amy Davidson Sorkin,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
Jimenez’s ‘Si Senor’ song was belted out at regular intervals and fans would have been encouraged to hear the Mexican, speaking after the game, open up the prospect of a return to Wolves when his Fulham contract expires this summer.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
Matching the anything-goes vibe that flows through the resort, the breezy restaurant pavilion is merely a suggestion—ordering lunch or dinner to your private terrace, a candlelit table on the beach, or one of the dozen-or-so secret seating nooks scattered around the property is actively encouraged.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Arizona Diamondbacks is congratulated by Corbin Carroll #7 and Geraldo Perdomo #2 after hitting a grand slam during the first inning of the MLB game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on May 18, 2026 in Phoenix.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
-
They were joined by avid equestrienne Princess Anne, who congratulated the qualifiers for a thoroughbred riding event on scene.—
Erin Vanderhoof,
Vanity Fair,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Perhaps some will find this gentleness frustrating, and interpret it as an apologia for a complacency inappropriate to our angry, angular, activist times.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
That includes Romane Fringeli, playing Enzo’s sister Carla, who is angry that Enzo plans to move their father Anthony (Bastien Bouillon), freshly released from prison, into their apartment.—
Carlos Aguilar,
IndieWire,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Piqued.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piqued. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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