as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a piquant tidbit of information about the new neighbors the piquant cuisine of India boasts some highly spiced dishes
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Recent Examples of piquant
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
Splendid orange animal piper on the label of this 14% alcohol wine that includes piqued and piquant aromas of blue fruit, vanilla, orange peels, wet granite, fern glen, soda lime and flint.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Raw tuna is often presented in ways that emphasize its subtlety and richness; here, instead, all those piquant, pickly bits seem to give the fish’s oceanic sweetness permission to flex and flow, revealing its character the way a few drops of water open up a rare single malt.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
Even a humble staple like queso is elevated with smokey undertones, a version so good that it can easily be eaten by the spoonful, alternating with the addictively piquant salsa verde that comes to the table with warm tortilla chips.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for piquant
Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Splendid orange animal piper on the label of this 14% alcohol wine that includes piqued and piquant aromas of blue fruit, vanilla, orange peels, wet granite, fern glen, soda lime and flint.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Raw tuna is often presented in ways that emphasize its subtlety and richness; here, instead, all those piquant, pickly bits seem to give the fish’s oceanic sweetness permission to flex and flow, revealing its character the way a few drops of water open up a rare single malt.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
Even a humble staple like queso is elevated with smokey undertones, a version so good that it can easily be eaten by the spoonful, alternating with the addictively piquant salsa verde that comes to the table with warm tortilla chips.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for piquant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquant
Adjective
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For decor, Pollock says to let bold colors and spicy details bring the flavor.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2025
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There are also bento boxes, spicy tuna bowls, and crispy tempura.—
Kaila Yu,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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The flapjack was fluffy, the taters were crunchy and buttery, the chorizo had a spicy kick, and the pungent sourdough bread crunched.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2025
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According to a Newsweek report on a YouGov poll, more than 80% of Americans consider disruptive behaviors—such as letting children play in the aisles, or eating pungent food—to be unacceptable.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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Still, Benny’s struggles are emotionally poignant, and once Carmen figures out his secret, the show is able to go to some interesting places.—
Nina Metz Chicago Tribune,
Boston Herald,
16 May 2025
-
Over 50 Indigenous designers took part in the weekend, each one debuting avant-garde creations with a poignant cultural flair.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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Our Pickled de Gallo includes a zesty mix of yellow bell pepper, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, herbs and spices (and of course, pickles) to create the perfect salsa.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2025
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Mariner’s Bar: Located near the hotel’s main entry, this cozy bar features a fireplace and a menu of Southern California-style zesty cocktails.—
Pamela Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Each chapter takes you right into a nonna's home in a different region—the pages read like a delicious road trip through the country.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
2 May 2025
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This countertop oven bakes the perfect pizza, delicious cookies and toasts evenly.—
Nora Colomer
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FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Try adding them as breakfast toppings, pairing them with a savory lunch, or blending them into smoothies to help boost your strawberry consumption.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
12 May 2025
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Quiche Lorraine–a savory tart with bacon, cheese and eggs—is ideally matched with a white Burgundy like chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune, such as meursault or Puligny-Montrachet, to balance the richness of eggs properly.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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Avoid acidic, salty, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that can irritate your mouth or cause minor injuries that can trigger canker sores.—
Sarah Jividen,
Health,
17 May 2025
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Vlasic Kosher Dill Spears Dill pickles can range in taste from salty to tangy and sour, and these pickles fell on the more sour range of that spectrum.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquant. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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