PIQUANT Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'piquant' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of piquant are poignant , pungent , and racy . While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency. // a piquant sauce

Q: In what contexts can 'poignant' take the place of 'piquant'?

Although the words poignant and piquant have much in common, poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions. // felt a poignant sense of loss

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pungent' instead of 'piquant'?

The synonyms pungent and piquant are sometimes interchangeable, but pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors. // a cheese with a pungent odor

Q: When might 'racy' be a better fit than 'piquant'?

The words racy and piquant can be used in similar contexts, but racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired. // spontaneous, racy prose

piquant

adjective

ˈpē-kənt

Definition of piquant

as in spicy

sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses a piquant tidbit of information about the new neighbors the piquant cuisine of India boasts some highly spiced dishes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective piquant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of piquant are poignant, pungent, and racy. While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency.

a piquant sauce

In what contexts can poignant take the place of piquant?

Although the words poignant and piquant have much in common, poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

When is it sensible to use pungent instead of piquant?

The synonyms pungent and piquant are sometimes interchangeable, but pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

When might racy be a better fit than piquant?

The words racy and piquant can be used in similar contexts, but racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

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 piquant Like a cousin of pimiento cheese, Cheese slaw is a piquant yet creamy combo of banana peppers, Swiss cheese, and tangy mayo. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026 Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026 Red cabbage, carrots and Tuscan kale form the base, bound together with a piquant balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026 The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for piquant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant

Adjective

Nightcap is a deliciously addictive gourmand, blending cozy vanilla and rich woods with sparkling ginger and cardamom for a spicy-sweet twist.

— Allure Editors, Allure, 31 Aug. 2026
The dish is spicy enough and not so thick with cream or flour and is a standout in the clam chowder world, according to Times reader Mary Ann Mollenkamp.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of spicy

Adjective

When a radish is cut, bitten, or crushed, its cells are damaged, triggering an enzyme called myrosinase to break down the glucosinolates into various metabolites, including pungent compounds known as isothiocyanates.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
The pungent smells of pot smoke and someone else’s urine compete with the dank smell of the canal.

— Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of pungent

Adjective

Seeing all the fiancé’s extended family in our city for the civil ceremony and reception and friends at the reception put a very poignant sting in our hearts for the four local family members who weren’t included.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter is known for soulful voice and poignant lyrics.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of poignant

Adjective

Juicy heirloom tomatoes, garlic, briny olives, bright vinegar, and fresh herbs come together in a delicious, zesty sauce.

— Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026
Creole mustard is a zesty mix of coarsely ground brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and in some cases, spices such as paprika and cayenne.

— Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of zesty

Adjective

Known for its sumptuous cuisine and delicious desserts, Italy has tourists lining up for gelato all over the peninsula.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Black Pepper Candied Bacon Fogo de Chão/MANNY RODRIGUEZ At Fogo de Chão, this delicious bacon dish is oven roasted with brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

The dish features sweet and savory thick-cut bacon suspended from a miniature clothesline.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The Star ordered The sweet vanilla ice cream was balanced out with savory olive oil and salt ($6) and gave a traditional ice cream much more dimension.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of savory

Adjective

That performance and a handful of others leads the way as the UFC wrapped up an exciting event from Shanghai.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
While a lot of the shorts are fully animated, the parts where this cartoon interacts with the real world were the most exciting then and are still a delight now.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of exciting

Adjective

Curiosity has climbed through a vertical half-mile (1 kilometer) of rock layers so far, finding clay-rich, mudstone layers that give way at higher elevations to younger sandstones full of salty minerals.

— Ashwin R. Vasavada, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Parts of Florida Bay remain too salty, with too little water flowing from Everglades marshes.

— Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of salty

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pique

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“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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