as in anger
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 to annoy
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 to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
their sarcastic comments piqued him to respond in kind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 pique
Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
That’s enough to pique studios’ interest.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pique
Noun
His pique wasn’t just about money or ego.
—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.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
-
Did the man go too far, or was his anger justified?—
-
As Blacc hinted at, there is more than a little anger to go around about what happened before, during and since the fires, along with the sorrow and thousand other emotions.—
Verb
-
She’d been awakened by their puppy, and had been annoyed at Ryan, who hadn’t gotten up early with the dog like he was supposed to.—
-
Kelce was evaluated for a concussion in the locker room, and he was annoyed at having to answer the questions that are part of the test.—
Verb
-
Analysts and insiders told CBS News the scale of the response to Pahalvi's call could determine whether the deadly, 12-day-old protests fizzle out as previous rounds of unrest have, or grow into a major challenge to the government, and provoke a possible wider crackdown.—
-
Intrusive thoughts provoke an anxious spiral as the moon and Saturn oppose.—
Verb
-
In a campus culture that prides itself on being bold and contrarian, too many young men see cruelty as courage.—
-
Other things the fine jewelry masters over at James Allen pride themselves on?—
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.—
-
After 36 minutes of cagey huff-and-puff, Arsenal’s clean-sheet record was spoiled again in game nine of their run, though, as in 1903, their undefeatedness in that stretch was to remain intact.—
Verb
-
These changes to the fabric’s texture can also irritate delicate skin.—
-
To ensure the materials were safe for biological use, the friction layers was tested on a rabbit’s eye, where the device maintained its charge without irritating.—
Verb
-
The teeth also captured climate shifts such as the Late Antique Little Ice Age and the Medieval Climate Anomaly, which might have encouraged some increase in migration into England.—
-
Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.—
Noun
-
British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.—
-
Emotions were on full display with many expressing sadness and frustration, not only over Wednesday's federal raid, but raids happening around the Twin Cities over the last 40 days.—
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share