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Definitions

pique

[peek] / pik /
NOUN
irritation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annoyance displeasure exasperation irritation
STRONG
blowup conniption dander fit flare-up grudge huff hurt irk miff offense peeve provocation resentment rise ruckus snit stew sulk tantrum tiff umbrage vexation
WEAK
slow burn
Antonyms
STRONGEST
contentment delight gratification happiness pleasure satisfaction
STRONG
calm
VERB
offend, provoke
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annoy arouse displease excite gall galvanize ignite incense irk irritate kindle offend rile stimulate whet
STRONG
absorb affront bother bug exasperate get goad goose grab miff mortify motivate move nettle peeve prick quicken rouse spur sting stir vex wound
WEAK
egg on fire up get a rise out of get under skin give a hard time give the business make waves put out work up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid calm compose delight extinguish lull make happy please quiet soothe
STRONG
appease compliment dissuade help misunderstand mollify placate satisfy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The letter was from Guy Spier, 60, investment manager of the Aquamarine Fund, and the first section did little to pique my interest.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

And his letter to Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighted his obsessive pique over not winning this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

Still, his podcast appearance was enough to pique the interest of congressional leaders.

From Salon • Oct. 5, 2025

A pitch-perfect combination of pathos, pique and comedy, Eisenberg’s screenplay doesn’t allow any note to get pounded louder than the others.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

This defiance was not a fit of pique, but a matter of principle.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing pique

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Some Tricky Homonyms

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Grade 12, List 3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!