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

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 But another source of Lighthizer’s pique lies in the WTO’s governance. —

Gordon H. Hanson, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2023

Verb

The brainchild of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy has piqued the interest of Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.), along with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), three Democratic populists on Capitol Hill who favor an economics-first approach to politics. —

Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024 Even if every Republican senator comes around on all of Trump's picks, the president-elect's supporters have long memories -- and the strain of populism that is one of the country's dominant political drivers has piqued anti-incumbent fervor. —

Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pique

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pique

Noun

At the same time, stay calm and don’t rise to meet their anger with your anger.

— Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 10 Jan. 2025
And last year, employee anger over losing their pensions was at the heart of negotiations between Boeing and its machinist workers.

— Dan Doonan, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025