pique 1 of 2

pique

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verb

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as in to pride
to think highly of (oneself) she piques herself on her considerable musical abilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pique distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of pique are dudgeon, huff, offense, resentment, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When is it sensible to use dudgeon instead of pique?

In some situations, the words dudgeon and pique are roughly equivalent. However, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When can huff be used instead of pique?

The meanings of huff and pique largely overlap; however, huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When would offense be a good substitute for pique?

The words offense and pique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When is resentment a more appropriate choice than pique?

While in some cases nearly identical to pique, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

When might umbrage be a better fit than pique?

The synonyms umbrage and pique are sometimes interchangeable, but umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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
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
After stops at Texas and Oregon, Prince’s play on the court for TCU has piqued WNBA executives’ interest. Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 Broadcom's insider selling and institutional interest Broadcom insiders have been selling a notable amount of stock over the past year, which naturally piques some eyebrows. Gurufocus, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
  • Aggression For some individuals, the turmoil following a breakup can give rise to an inexplicable burst of anger.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Damn, again, my woulda, shoulda anger steams beneath a somewhat placid exterior.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • Brit, still processing, clocks that Kenya was angling for a full-on meltdown, trying to provoke her into playing the aggressor.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs essentially act as an indirect tax on consumers, provoke retaliatory measures, drive inflation higher, and destabilize financial markets.
    Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cardenas was known primarily for his distribution, while Andrews prides himself on defense, something that lines up perfectly with Burns.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2025
  • While doughnuts are its final product, Krispy Kreme also prides itself on being a machine builder, designing and manufacturing its proprietary production equipment in-house.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • If not properly diluted, vinegar's acidity can irritate your throat or erode tooth enamel over time.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The goal of the tax subsidies was to encourage more Americans to save for retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • To Thomas, the phrase is meant to encourage people to not give up on democracy.
    Harriet Blair Rowan, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Because Congress never bothered to write a law to establish it.
    Jay Cost, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • 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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Cite this Entry

“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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