Synonym Chooser

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 The sauce is a piquant blend of tomato and vinegar that complements the pork shoulder. Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025 But none of these things feels piquant in this production. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025 In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piquant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant
Adjective
  • The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave.
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mount Dora study IDs likely source of pungent mystery smell Average rate on a US 30-year mortgage holds steady at 6.76%, not far from highest levels this year Politics Egg prices finally dropped, but the cost of beef hit a record high last month.
    Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
  • How To Plant And Grow Onions Emitting Odors From pungent bulbs to delicate chives, onions possess properties that can help deter unwelcome visitors in the garden.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hired as a live-in caretaker in the opulent home, Ana Maria (Jenny Navarrete), a pregnant Colombian immigrant in Panama City hiding a major secret, develops a genuine bond with the initially standoffish Mechi, making for an unassumingly poignant and superbly acted two-hander.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Attendees can learn more about the late first lady’s passion work as an advocate for the environment and her passion for wildflowers during this poignant, humorous portrayal by Goddard, an actress and historian.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Get The Recipe The Simple and Fresh Ingredients The medley of sweet corn and juicy tomatoes, plus mild Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro is tossed together with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, olive oil, and lime juice which bring a balance of richness and zesty flavor to the dish.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
  • There is zesty acidity, notable persistence and excellent overall harmony.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Fried rice is delicious on its own, but a block of extra-firm tofu can make this dish significantly more substantial and filling.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 30 May 2025
  • My favorite way to use it up is by making zucchini butter—a luscious, versatile spread that is just as delicious on sandwiches as it is tossed with pasta.
    Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • On the nose, the Tequila offers aromas of cooked agave, citrus, herbal notes, and a hint of savory character.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Open late-late night, this gas station is immensely popular for its version of this hearty, savory snack, a soothing staple on offer after the local bars close.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • And the salty protein-carbohydrate bomb was just what my body wanted.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
  • The producer remembers that era in show business with a salty charm, like all the best insiders.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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