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
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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
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Recent Examples of pique
Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
His proposal appears to be related to his pique about migration across the southern border.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025
Cianfrance has mostly made noise on the indie circuit, but his recent Oscar nomination — as a co-writer on Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal — might pique the Academy’s interest.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Noun
The moment called for careful diplomacy, not a fit of pique.
—Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
His proposal appears to be related to his pique about migration across the southern border.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
Mantle Ridge’s stake will undoubtedly pique the interest of the market and increase turnout for the analyst day.
—Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025
Cianfrance has mostly made noise on the indie circuit, but his recent Oscar nomination — as a co-writer on Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal — might pique the Academy’s interest.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
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Unlike Molly, who's politely reticent and reluctant to speak up for herself, Nikki can't resist expressing her anger and sorrow—or, more precisely, dramatizing them for whatever audience of oncologists happens to be in range.—
Dory Jackson,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Sleep deprivation hampers your ability to deal with job stress and can unleash anger during your workday.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Waltz now has a bunch of top officials, and their teams, who are annoyed at him for drawing bad publicity.—
Marc Caputo,
Axios,
25 Mar. 2025
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However, standing in the middle of a road to capture the Eiffel Tower in the background is not only unsafe but can also annoy locals.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House that the administration maintained confidence in Waltz and said the case was effectively closed, even as the breach provoked bipartisan criticism and opened up divisions inside the White House.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
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The labyrinthine saga dating from 1977, when the original Grove Isle covenant was signed, provokes intense head-scratching.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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By Esther Zuckerman For a show that prides itself on being, well, live, Saturday Night Live doesn’t usually thrive on engaging its in-studio audience.—
Esther Zuckerman,
The Atlantic,
6 Apr. 2025
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Being Mississippi, a state that prides itself on its southern civility, each time something significant passes in the state legislature, there is a tendency to pretend that change ...—
Douglas Carswell,
National Review,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
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Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.—
Oshan Jarow,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
Verb
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The second walk irritated the pitcher, as home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman’s ball four call on a 3-2 count appeared incorrect.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2025
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If not properly diluted, vinegar's acidity can irritate your throat or erode tooth enamel over time.—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To bring in more visitors, Katsuo-ji came up with a creative way to encourage tourists to engage with the Daruma dolls.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
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The frantic trading, which sent stocks spiking before plummeting again, showed how investors are operating on a hair trigger and are eager for any sign of encouraging news.—
Chris Megerian,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, OL, LSU Will Campbell has fallen a bit due to his shorter arm length, but that likely won't bother Ben Johnson.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
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Because Congress never bothered to write a law to establish it.—
Jay Cost,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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