Definition of racynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective racy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of racy are piquant, poignant, and pungent. While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

When might piquant be a better fit than racy?

While in some cases nearly identical to racy, piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency.

a piquant sauce

In what contexts can poignant take the place of racy?

The synonyms poignant and racy are sometimes interchangeable, but poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

Where would pungent be a reasonable alternative to racy?

While the synonyms pungent and racy are close in meaning, pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

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 racy As wine lovers’ taste in Chardonnay has moved from ripe and buttery to lean and racy, higher-acid, more-flavorful versions have come into vogue. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026 The post included a racy photo of Peltz in bed. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The two have been spending time together since at least July, when Minniear shared a racy photo of Goulding on Instagram. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026 Adding another title to Rupert Murdoch ‘s media empire, the California Post will draw from and build on the venerable New York paper’s national coverage, which is known for its relentless and skewering approach to reporting and its facility with sensational or racy subject matter. Christopher Weber, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for racy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for racy
Adjective
  • Participants are able to create a schedule for themselves that supports more solo contemplative space or lively group experiences.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
  • South Elgin’s protest was just as lively.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Then there’s upscale Mexican restaurant El Molino, with its spicy twist on local Baja California cuisine, and Farina e Olio, an oceanfront Italian trattoria serving melt-in-your-mouth ravioli and life-altering desserts.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The red king, which is a spicy version of their pork broth ramen, was worth the years of anticipation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The popularity of the cards led to the creation of a toy line, which then spurred animated TV specials and, eventually, a TV series.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The animated film about a teenager who becomes a beaver to save her animal friends from a freeway construction project pulled in $88 million globally, including $46 million in North America.
    G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • According to a screenshot of the DMs in question, which TMZ obtained, the sender, who seemingly initiated the correspondence, sent a handful of suggestive messages to the Carpenter account.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
  • For now, however, the evidence remains suggestive rather than definitive.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Those two youngsters happen to be a happily engaged, and happily naive, couple, and the series plays out exploring the dynamics between the two relationships, one young, loving and energetic, the other old, tired and toxic.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
  • To support the flight, there has been a sharpening of space weather forecasting skills — an ability to better gauge the sun's activity and to help assure crew safety if a hazardous uptick in solar action rears its energetic head.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The self is made of memories but can also shape them — an animate sculpture able to rework its own clay.
    Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The same traits—sloppy reasoning but a desire for collective punishment—animate other immigration-policy announcements.
    Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Neither has served in an active military capacity during the current conflict.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Consider setting aside grandiose ambitions for the moment and taking a break to do something active with your hands.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Plan on a mostly sunny sky and brisk morning wind.
    Cutter Martin, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The subjects were also asked to do two additional workouts on their own; the details were up to them, but most chose running, cycling, brisk walking, or circuits.
    Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Racy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racy. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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