as in angers
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 annoys
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 provokes
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 prides
to think highly of (oneself)
she piques herself on her considerable musical abilities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of piques
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Anything Oprah repeatedly praises immediately piques my interest, but even more so when her favorites are podiatrist favorites.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 30 May 2026
Bettors are showing significant interest in the quirky sport, which piques viewers’ curiosity every four years at the Winter Olympics.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
But her movie piques our interest rather than grabbing us by the throat the way a good crime flick should.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
Someone piques your interest unexpectedly, Leo.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Having said that, the series piques the interest, especially because of the news that James Spader's Ultron will be a major player here.
—Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Where to Stay If Earl Young’s architecture piques your interest, book a room at Hotel Earl.
—Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 30 Dec. 2025
In a category that traditionally favors serious dramas, this rom-com unfolding against the backdrop of 30 years of Lebanese tragedies plays like a breath of fresh air and piques anticipation for Aris’ next feature.
—Alissa Simon, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
Much piques our curiosity about Springfield’s failure to settle on a pathway to constructing a new domed stadium for the Chicago Bears.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Anything Oprah repeatedly praises immediately piques my interest, but even more so when her favorites are podiatrist favorites.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 30 May 2026
Bettors are showing significant interest in the quirky sport, which piques viewers’ curiosity every four years at the Winter Olympics.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
But her movie piques our interest rather than grabbing us by the throat the way a good crime flick should.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
Someone piques your interest unexpectedly, Leo.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Having said that, the series piques the interest, especially because of the news that James Spader's Ultron will be a major player here.
—Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Where to Stay If Earl Young’s architecture piques your interest, book a room at Hotel Earl.
—Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 30 Dec. 2025
In a category that traditionally favors serious dramas, this rom-com unfolding against the backdrop of 30 years of Lebanese tragedies plays like a breath of fresh air and piques anticipation for Aris’ next feature.
—Alissa Simon, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piques
Noun
-
David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
As much as Payton bristles about media storylines and huffs about tempo questions, the Broncos went 25 minutes without a first down against Las Vegas.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
22 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
One of the more common ways bear encounters escalate is when an off-leash dog runs toward a bear, annoys it, and then comes sprinting back to its owner with an angry predator in pursuit.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
18 June 2026
-
Such a statistic often provokes a familiar gamut of responses from those who read it, from shock, disgust and anger to a debilitating sense of helplessness.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
In a city that prides itself on international flavors, Loryn Nalic’s food shines.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Midwest Living,
17 June 2026
-
Conway prides himself on hearing from the people and building trust between politicians and Maryland communities.—
Kaicey Baylor,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Putting those questions up front helps avoid the tenant frustrations that have dogged parts of the industry as operators expand, contract or change hands.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
-
Local media reported the clashes involving small groups of migrants erupted because of frustrations at the delays in them returning home.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Oh, and more often than not, nobody bothers to check whether the change intervention actually worked, or whether leaders improve their performance after all!—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
The government no longer even bothers to disguise itself as a democracy.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The flyer encourages students to celebrate the end of the school year after finals.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
When their biggest demonic enemy (Lee Byung-hun) encourages the formation of an equally popular K-pop boy band aimed at stealing the souls of their fans, the trio has to fight harder than ever to hold the demons at bay while keeping their friendship intact.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
If someone is in your life long enough, they’re bound to do something that irritates you—and you’re bound to do something that irritates them.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
-
Elsa’s inquisitive presence almost instantly irritates Amalia, as the latter refuses to simply acquiesce to her relentless quizzing.—
Lé Baltar,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Piques.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piques. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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