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
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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
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
If the latter category piques your interest, order the jambalaya or the Catfish Pontchartrain (catfish served with onions, green peppers, celery, and a slightly spicy Southern sauce).
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
Your desire for expansion and exploration piques with Venus entering Virgo.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
As contrarian investors, this neglect piques our interest.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
If this piques your organizational curiosity, look no further than the Lamu 3-Pack of Lazy Susans.
—Izzy Baskette, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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
If the latter category piques your interest, order the jambalaya or the Catfish Pontchartrain (catfish served with onions, green peppers, celery, and a slightly spicy Southern sauce).
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
Your desire for expansion and exploration piques with Venus entering Virgo.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
As contrarian investors, this neglect piques our interest.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
If this piques your organizational curiosity, look no further than the Lamu 3-Pack of Lazy Susans.
—Izzy Baskette, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piques
Verb
-
One of its two young sibling protagonists, Amber (Bianca Belle), channels her feelings about the recent death of her mother into drawings of creatures born out of her troubled imagination, some of whom enact violence against the classmate who annoys her.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
-
There's just one thing about Claire Danes that annoys Matthew Rhys.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
22 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The result is a film that provokes thought more than feeling, one that invites discussion, while denying audiences the emotional dimension that might have driven home its relevance.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
3 Jan. 2026
-
But when her latest husband, discord spirit Raksh, provokes the council’s wrath, Amina must clean up his blunder, contend with Marjana’s demands for the truth…and figure out who on her crew is plotting a mutiny.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The company prides itself on its low prices, reliability, convenience, and superior customer service, according to its website.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Medved’s offense prides itself on constant cutting, screens and sharing the ball at a high rate.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Feeney’s book features multiple narrators, but relativity is not an idea the series bothers to develop.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Now, wages have grown, but inflation bothers people.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Pruning perennials at the right time encourages plants to leaf out, grow bushier, develop sturdier stems, and potentially produce more flowers.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Loudermilk says this is just one of the many ways Lions Clubs work to support their communities and encourages anyone interested in joining to reach out.—
Jessica Riley,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There are no speakers in the songs of MJ Lenderman other than MJ Lenderman, whose diffidence and exhaustion are in all-too-perfect lockstep with the psychic frustrations of his listeners.—
Armin Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
After the third giveaway happened with six seconds left in the second quarter, Schaefer expressed his frustrations with his trademark jacket removal.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In other words, alcohol disrupts hydration, irritates the gut, inflames blood vessels, messes with sleep, and forces your liver into metabolic overdrive.—
Ciara Lucas,
SELF,
30 Dec. 2025
-
Without this process, the air would be colder and drier, which irritates and constricts the airways and can lead to inflammation.—
Sarah Philip,
Popular Science,
4 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piques.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piques. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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