piquing 1 of 2

adjective

as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction piquing remarks that were said mainly to get a rise out of the other guests at the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

piquing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of pique
1
as in bothering
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in provoking
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 priding
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 piquing
Verb
If Madewell’s current discounts and promotions aren’t piquing your interest, check Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Revolve, Bloomingdale’s, and Shopbop. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 Oct. 2026 That’s why Chicago AF events focus on piquing adults’ interest with intriguing reasons to engage in companionship and activity. — Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026 Here are five upcoming books piquing our interest this season. — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026 At the time in the 1960s, Clairol had been keeping quiet about the development, piquing the interest of residents in the area. — Katherine Chircus, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2026 There are an impressive number of interactions, and the game revels in piquing your curiosity. — ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 Last but certainly not least, In the City is piquing interest as well. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 July 2026 In the meantime, Mars in Gemini makes an alignment with Jupiter in Leo, increasing our self-confidence and piquing our curiosities. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 In the meantime, a few more reports and photos of the unusual bird came in from San Clemente and Dana Point the next day, piquing interest even more. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquing
  1. provocative
  2. bothering
  3. provoking
  4. priding
  5. charged
  6. bugging
  7. encouraging
  8. congratulating
Adjective
  • The sports media rarely treats athletes who espouse liberal or progressive political views as problematic, even when those views are provocative, divisive, or factually incorrect.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Others do not, such as the TV show conceit, which, though provocative in theory, will come across to many readers as functionally cosmetic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of provocative
Verb
  • For example, companies that benefit from customers not bothering to cancel subscriptions, compare prices, or search for better deals have taken a beating in recent weeks.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
  • If neck pain keeps coming back or the lines bothering you keep getting deeper, talk with a doctor or dermatologist instead of relying on a gadget alone.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of bothering
Verb
  • The same principle applies to debates about religion, economics and virtually any subject capable of provoking strong emotions.
    — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • From this format emerges the tacit thesis that the Bicentennial cultural activities excelled at provoking critical, imaginative reflections on America’s past and future from artmakers and from ordinary citizens alike.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of provoking
Verb
  • Like its Brooks counterpart, the shoe is offered in Extra Wide, also priding itself on perks like superior energy return, a grippier-than-most outsole, and a lightweight build at just 208 grams.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The property offers a variety of programs and activities for children and families, priding itself on being a multigenerational spot to return to again and again.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Definition of priding
Adjective
  • The result is an urgent, propulsive song with a raw spirit and some of Pop’s most super-charged writing with deceptively simple lyrics about love and war, dripping with desperation.
    — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.
    — Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Definition of charged
Verb
  • However, in-flight cabin etiquette is only one part of what’s bugging travelers this summer.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
Definition of bugging
Verb
  • Anti-Trumpers in Wichita are encouraging folks to attend the next No Kings Nationwide Day of Action on Saturday as a sort of rally warm-up.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But in his statement Hannan argued labor and environmentalists aren’t stopping development, just encouraging it be done safely.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Verb
  • Please join me in congratulating Kayleen and welcoming Maria to XBOX!
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Everyone kept congratulating her on the long overdue success.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of congratulating

Browse Nearby Words

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piquing
piracy
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Cite this Entry

“Piquing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquing. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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