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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prided
to think highly of (oneself)
she piques herself on her considerable musical abilities
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Recent Examples of piqued
Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
But while some—like the one described by Ashley Tisdale French in a viral essay for The Cut—trade mainly in mean-girl passive aggression, other progressive-minded ones have been piqued by ICE, becoming important resources for grassroots organizing, information sharing, and mutual aid.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
Alternatives to buying Costco gold If the recent spike in gold prices has piqued your interest, getting it from Costco isn't the only way to go.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026
Neither player has piqued Golden State’s interest, but the Warriors might rethink their options after losing Jimmy Butler to a season-ending knee injury on Monday.
—Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Once a vessel has piqued his interest, Osman will look up its registration number and cross-reference it against lists of sanctioned ships.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026
As someone who researches how medical topics on screen influence viewers, this piqued my curiosity.
—Beth Hoffman, The Conversation, 12 Jan. 2026
Cushionaire Belinda Ballet Sneakers with Ribbon Ties I’ve been intrigued by the ballet sneakers trend for quite some time, and my interest was further piqued when Nicole Kidman wore a pair recently.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
But, surely, this must have piqued official curiosity.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
His question immediately piqued Meyers’ interest.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
But while some—like the one described by Ashley Tisdale French in a viral essay for The Cut—trade mainly in mean-girl passive aggression, other progressive-minded ones have been piqued by ICE, becoming important resources for grassroots organizing, information sharing, and mutual aid.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
Alternatives to buying Costco gold If the recent spike in gold prices has piqued your interest, getting it from Costco isn't the only way to go.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026
Neither player has piqued Golden State’s interest, but the Warriors might rethink their options after losing Jimmy Butler to a season-ending knee injury on Monday.
—Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Once a vessel has piqued his interest, Osman will look up its registration number and cross-reference it against lists of sanctioned ships.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026
As someone who researches how medical topics on screen influence viewers, this piqued my curiosity.
—Beth Hoffman, The Conversation, 12 Jan. 2026
Cushionaire Belinda Ballet Sneakers with Ribbon Ties I’ve been intrigued by the ballet sneakers trend for quite some time, and my interest was further piqued when Nicole Kidman wore a pair recently.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
But, surely, this must have piqued official curiosity.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piqued
Verb
-
He was obviously annoyed at her about something.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In particular, you might be concerned or annoyed about financial issues with a friend or a group.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
News of the deployment of ICE agents has provoked a backlash in Italy.—
Colleen Barry,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The troop deployments have provoked legal challenges from local leaders, and some have been successful.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Miami prided itself on its physicality, defense, and dominance in the paint this season.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Pittsburgh has long prided itself on the play of its linebackers.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Board members struggled to convince outraged parents and students that the Dillard, Pompano Beach and Blanche Ely gymnasiums were quality venues for graduation ceremonies.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Whether that’s a reference to assimilation or invasion isn’t clear, but Canadians were outraged over the comments all the same.—
Joe Wilkins Published Jan 21,
Futurism,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That’s right—if you can’t be bothered to take 10 minutes (or at most, 45 minutes) out of your vacation to follow international safety protocol, you can be kicked off your cruise ship.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
-
And while some families might be able to cut down on toys, others might be bothered having toys in every room.—
Jillian Pretzel,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Still, the paper has been encouraged by early signs from its first week.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Though it’s not required, candidates are encouraged to fill out job applications online before attending the Thunder Valley Casino job fairs.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Rehmet’s labor union congratulated him on his election victory.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Your father would have congratulated you on her looks.—
Molly Aitken,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These agents are recruited from among angry white males enticed by a signup bonus of $50,000.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The video is just as angry as the song’s lyrics and delivery, cutting disturbing (but not graphic) footage from ICE’s clashes with demonstrators in the city with Springsteen performing the song in his home studio.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Piqued.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piqued. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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