PIQUE Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pique 1 of 2

noun

ˈpēk

Definition of pique next

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

pique

2 of 2

verb

ˈpēk

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

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

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

This season’s offerings: A sheer blouse in a geometric print for around $40, men’s solid color pique polo shirts in earthy tones (sky blue, mossy green) for around $30, and kids graphic T-shirts for around $15. —

Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024 That, in turn, allowed Matt Gaetz to torpedo McCarthy’s speakership with the help of a handful of Republicans, largely out of personal pique. —

The Editors, National Review, 29 Mar. 2024

Verb

From time to time over the years, polls and pollsters have piqued the wit and wry humor of many cartoonists. —

W. Joseph Campbell, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024 The alert piqued his interest: This transaction was worth around $600,000, a cash-out of funds that was easily 10 times bigger than the typical trade on that service. —

Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pique

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique

Noun

Then came the anger, hurt and all that goes with it.

R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
This means asking them to let go of any anger and resentment toward you, but don’t force anything.

Hylke Faber, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024