piquancy

noun

pi·quan·cy ˈpē-kən(t)-sē

ˈpi-kwən(t)-

Synonyms of piquancy

: the quality or state of being piquant

Examples of piquancy in a Sentence

a talk show host known for the quickness and piquancy of his wit I appreciated the piquancy of the peppers in the sauce.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026 The key to its flavor is a balance of sweet, spice, piquancy and heat, which creates a balanced and addictive bite. — Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024 The most notable part of this gag was not the joke itself, a standard late-night quip delivered with appropriate piquancy. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025 While there are pops of piquancy in Landon’s script, her direction and the performances (with the exception of Woodard) fail to inspire much more than a shrug. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for piquancy

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of piquancy was in 1664

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piquancy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

piquancy

noun

pi·quan·cy ˈpē-kən-sē

: the quality or state of being piquant

piquancy

noun

Synonyms of piquancy

Examples of piquancy in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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