PIQUANCY Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

piquancy

noun

ˈpē-kən(t)-sē

Definition of piquancy

as in spice

the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses a talk show host known for the quickness and piquancy of his wit I appreciated the piquancy of the peppers in the sauce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 piquancy That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026 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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquancy

Noun

From smoky, spirit-forward drinks to warming spices and frightening garnishes, cocktails in October have a little extra mystery.

— Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
There was a basket with lemons, each one tied with red curling ribbon, fish spices stacked, the register with all the keys covered by a silicone hood, and a pile of newspapers next to a pile of wrapping sheets.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of spice

Noun

To be sure, practicing a zest for life can be harder for those who have physical illness and pain and those who engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
Appreciation of beauty and excellence ranks near the top of her list, along with gratitude and zest.

— Allison Aubrey, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of zest

Browse Nearby Words

pip-squeaks

piquancy

piquant

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquancy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of piquancy

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes