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

Examples 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 final blow came when his two long-time friends, Dirksen and Russell, abandoned Johnson, the latter in a pique over Ramsey Clark’s handling of a district court judgeship. Michael Bobelian, TIME, 7 Oct. 2024 Even worse, his negative attitude toward Ukraine isn’t rooted in a grand strategic vision; it is rooted in his personal pique over Ukraine’s nonexistent participation in a fictional conspiracy. David French, The Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2024
Verb
Rodgers and Kennedy went on a hike, and the four-time NFL MVP admitted to Kennedy that John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 initially piqued his interest in politics. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2024 The 100Mbps limit did pique our interest since 1Gbps is now the de facto standard for Ethernet ports, but HP says streaming to four platforms simultaneously at 1080p will only need roughly 25 to 30Mbps. Zackery Cuevas, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pique 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique
Noun
  • By venting online, this discordant energy between anger and resignation can be expressed.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • After government measures during the Covid pandemic sparked anger and confusion, rolling out a vaccine for H5N1 too soon could do more harm than good.
    Emily Mullin, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The game was tied at 25 with 7:22 left in the first half, but Florida Southwestern was clearly annoyed by the constant pressure.
    CJ Moore, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Mostly we are annoyed by inane thickets of regulation and are suckers for a politician who vows to sweep them aside.
    Peter C. Baker, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Diplomatic Risks: The designation could provoke international disputes, particularly with Mexico, complicating its legal and practical implementation.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The emotional bedrock underneath is the thing that’s provoking feeling in me.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This Airline Has Been Voted the No. 1 in the World for 27 Years in a Row 04 of 06 Delta One A350 Suites Delta prides itself on being the first carrier to introduce an all-suite business-class (back in early 2017).
    Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The Lakers pride themselves on being a star-friendly franchise, and there have been no indications that James or Davis want to leave.
    Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world.
    Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • Prolonged exposure to vog can irritate the eyes, throat and lungs, particularly for those with preexisting respiratory conditions.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Rising temperatures also accelerate the production of ground-level ozone, a harmful gas that irritates airways and can trigger asthma attacks.
    Bill Frist, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But Wilson said he was encouraged to engage with UCSD students.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Instead, the coach is encouraged by what he’s seen from the mobile blueliner as of late.
    Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Vlasic is not bothered by this but does have a suggestion for the NHL.
    Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The latter group ultimately just couldn’t be bothered to get off their couches.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near pique

Cite this Entry

“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pique. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pique

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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