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
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
Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025
The mention of a clinic run by a company from his home country piqued the golfer’s interest.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 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
Taking a trip to New York or Las Vegas to see the different people, cultures, and music piques her interest.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025
The mention of a clinic run by a company from his home country piqued the golfer’s interest.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
-
The city councilor and over two dozen residents responded to Eureka Street after the presence of federal agents in the neighborhood sparked anger Thursday morning.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
-
Tangent Posts made by the X account named after Prevost triggered anger among some of the president’s most vocal supporters online.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Easily annoyed by noises like gum smacking or cereal slurping.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
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The controversy over attire comes just two months after Zelensky was criticized and called disrespectful by a reporter at the White House for not wearing a suit during his visit to the Oval Office, with reports suggesting that Trump was annoyed by Zelensky's choice of clothing.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The situation escalated when GUNTHER mentioned Goldberg's family, provoking the Hall of Famer to jump the security barricade.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
In years past, the school district’s funding request has provoked heated conversations about how much the county should fund.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
Can a platform that prides itself on rules and fighting bots truly capture the zeitgeist of a market that often glorifies anonymous founders and treats rug-pulls as a cost of doing business?—
Nina Bambysheva,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
-
This restaurant prides itself on being a hub in the community.—
Mari Pressley,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
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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These ingredients can irritate the digestive tract, the bladder, or the teeth for people who are sensitive to them.—
Stacey Colino,
Time,
1 May 2025
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Chronic inflammation has been shown to irritate blood vessels and can lead to the hardening of fatty plaques in the lining of the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart.—
Liz Szabo,
Scientific American,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Essential Utilities on Monday posted first-quarter earnings of $1.03 per share on revenue of $784 million, encouraging Janney Montgomery Scott analyst Michael Gaugler to reiterate a buy rating.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Luckily, my dog doesn’t bother the plants—except the ones in the garden—but this plant stand gives me peace of mind anyway.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2025
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Travel delays don’t bother Blues The Blues got stuck in Winnipeg after Game 5 due to an issue with the plane that was bringing them back to St. Louis.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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