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
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
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
Verb
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piques
Verb
-
What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Seeing this much effort put into ripping off people annoys him.—
Rob Pegoraro,
PC Magazine,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Likewise, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that the bond market will ultimately prove to be the factor that provokes some action from DC when investors begin to demand higher premiums to continue buying debt.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
In a city that prides itself on pizza, earning top honors is no small feat.—
Zoey Goto,
Travel + Leisure,
2 June 2026
-
The 5-foot-11, 218-pound Dowdle is a little more upright than the compact, 5-8, 208-pound Warren, who still prides himself on being a menace in pass protection.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
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 bothers me still is the Maloofs or (current ownership) never honored Rick with a special night.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
-
Shields added at the time that she's learned to speak up when something bothers her rather than assuming her spouse can read her mind.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Each line encourages a body to shift when uttered or even when read silently to oneself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
-
To her daughter, 8-year-old Hazel (Nola Wallace), Paula is the fun parent, a mom who encourages ice cream for dinner, embraces cursing, enthusiastically participates in TikTok dances, and even coaches her daughter’s youth soccer team.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Lahn seized on those frustrations.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
3 June 2026
-
Body language aside, Brown also didn’t share his frustrations publicly, declining to speak with reporters.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The impish half-smile that irritates opponents eventually returns to his face, though.—
Chris Smith,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Piques.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piques. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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