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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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.
-
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.
Verb
-
What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?
-
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.
Verb
-
This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.
-
His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
Verb
-
The pop-up prides itself on gourmet, 100% beef hot dogs topped with homemade sauces and organic ingredients.
-
Conway prides himself on hearing from the people and building trust between politicians and Maryland communities.
Noun
-
Those frustrations could be on the verge of boiling over.
-
South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence as migrants from poor nations like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi generally end up settling in impoverished communities in South Africa where unemployment and frustrations are high.
Verb
-
What bothers me is the implication of a Labubu National Team full of these things.
-
The underlying economics are forgiving, if anyone bothers to design for them.
Verb
-
Rissetto encourages her patients to cut back on alcoholic beverages.
-
Reclaiming this original spirit encourages leaders to prioritize ethical conduct, the common good, and judge individuals by their actions and inherent potential, fostering inclusive and merit-based environments.
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.
-
Elsa’s inquisitive presence almost instantly irritates Amalia, as the latter refuses to simply acquiesce to her relentless quizzing.
Cite this Entry
“Piques.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piques. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
