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.
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Recent Examples of pique
Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Notwithstanding his pique at Biden’s treatment of him, MBS is looking to the United States to provide a more reliable deterrent against Iran’s nuclear and regional ambitions and more effective means for Saudi Arabia to defend itself against the missile and drone attacks of Iran’s proxies.
—Steven A. Cook, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2022
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
His move piqued public interest; Bozzelli’s story appeared in newspapers from Florida to California.
—Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Noun
There’s a knowing performative element to Singer’s pique, yet Freedman’s passion appears genuine, even personal.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Notwithstanding his pique at Biden’s treatment of him, MBS is looking to the United States to provide a more reliable deterrent against Iran’s nuclear and regional ambitions and more effective means for Saudi Arabia to defend itself against the missile and drone attacks of Iran’s proxies.
—Steven A. Cook, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2022
Verb
Your curiosity is piqued, which is why a chance to study history (something that interests every TAURUS) will appeal to you.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
His move piqued public interest; Bozzelli’s story appeared in newspapers from Florida to California.
—Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
-
Law enforcement officials believe the man, Ramon Morales Reyes, never wrote a letter that Noem and her department shared with a message written in light blue ink expressing anger over Trump’s deportations and threatening to shoot him in the head with a rifle at a rally.—
Mike Balsamo,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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Law enforcement officials believe the man, Ramon Morales Reyes, never wrote a letter that Noem and her department shared with a message written in light blue ink expressing anger over Trump's deportations and threatening to shoot him in the head with a rifle at a rally.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
Orlando Sentinel Residents also allege the neighbor erected phallic objects on a fence at his home to annoy them.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
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Cahill also spoke about how the political nature of the case annoyed him, as politicians spoke out about Floyd's death, and some called for system-wide change.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
Negotiating with someone who is trying to provoke you is their tactic.—
John Baldoni,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
Daily life in the villa is punctuated by games and challenges, designed to reveal secrets, provoke drama and test the strength of relationships.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
Worse yet, for a team that prides itself on winning up front, the Ravens allowed the Bills to rush for 147 yards and three touchdowns.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Even while moving around the country as a military brat, Cyn was a straight-A student who prided herself on never getting a single B on her report card in her entire life.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
30 May 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
-
Sturdy posts at the front of the shoes connect to a flip-flop style design that won’t irritate or chafe your skin, while the supportive insoles are far better-suited for days spent on your feet than flimsy, cheaper sandals.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
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There are pull-ups made with Velcro that can irritate your child’s skin, especially when misaligned.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Musk, who spent almost $300 million on last year’s election, had also encouraged the primarying of lawmakers who voted for it.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
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Overall, the diet encourages people to eat whole foods that are low in salicylates.—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
6 June 2025
Verb
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After years of ‘losing culture,’ can the new-look Chicago Bears turn things around on defense? Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t bother mincing words.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
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The walk, only his second this month, bothered him.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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