Piquant — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈpē-kənt/ pi·quant

Meaning & Definition of Piquant

Piquant (adjective)

  1. agreeably stimulating to the taste; especially, having a pleasantly pungent, sharp, or spicy taste
  2. engagingly provocative or stimulating; also, having a lively and often mischievous charm

Piquant (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: pert, poignant, pungent, salty, savory, zesty, zingy
    related: racy, spicy, fiery, gingery, hot, peppery, vinegary, acute, keen, biting, bitter, cutting, mordant, trenchant, animating, energizing, enlightening, exciting, galvanizing, invigorating, piquing, provocative, provoking, ambrosial, appetizing, delectable, delicious, luscious, palatable, scrumptious, toothsome, flavorful, savorous, tasty, absorbing, arresting, engaging, engrossing, enthralling, fascinating, gripping, interesting, intriguing, riveting
    opposite: insipid, zestless
    near: flat, flavorless, savorless, tasteless, arid, banal, barren, boring, colorless, drab, dreary, dry, dull, humdrum, leaden, monotonous, numbing, pedestrian, ponderous, predictable, stale, stodgy, tedious, tiring, uninteresting, wearisome, wearying, bland, dilute, thin, watery, weak

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Piquant

The most common words with a similar meaning to Piquant:

pert, poignant, pungent, salty, savory, zesty, zingy

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Piquant

Words with the opposite meaning of Piquant:

insipid, zestless

Related Words for Piquant

racy, spicy, fiery, gingery, hot, peppery, vinegary, acute, keen, biting, bitter, cutting, mordant, trenchant, animating, energizing, enlightening, exciting, galvanizing, invigorating, piquing, provocative, provoking, ambrosial, appetizing, delectable, delicious, luscious, palatable, scrumptious

Near Antonyms of Piquant

flat, flavorless, savorless, tasteless, arid, banal, barren, boring, colorless, drab, dreary, dry, dull, humdrum, leaden, monotonous, numbing, pedestrian, ponderous, predictable, stale, stodgy, tedious, tiring, uninteresting, wearisome, wearying, bland, dilute, thin

Word Forms of Piquant

Derived words: piquantly (adverb), piquantness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Piquant

Middle French, from present participle of piquer

First known use: 1645

Frequently Asked Questions about Piquant

What does "Piquant" mean?

"Piquant" means agreeably stimulating to the taste; especially, having a pleasantly pungent, sharp, or spicy taste. As an adjective, it is defined as: agreeably stimulating to the taste; especially, having a pleasantly pungent, sharp, or spicy taste.

What is another word for "Piquant"?

Other words for "Piquant" include pert, poignant, pungent, salty, savory, zesty and zingy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Piquant" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Piquant"?

There are 51 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Piquant". Common alternatives include pert, poignant, pungent, salty, savory, zesty and zingy.

What is the opposite of "Piquant"?

Antonyms of "Piquant" include insipid and zestless. Near antonyms include flat, flavorless, savorless and tasteless.

How do you use "Piquant" in a sentence?

Examples of "Piquant" in a sentence: "a piquant tidbit of information about the new neighbors"; "the piquant cuisine of India boasts some highly spiced dishes".

Is "Piquant" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Piquant" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Piquant"?

"Piquant" is pronounced /ˈpē-kənt/ and divided into syllables as pi·quant.

What is the origin of the word "Piquant"?

"Piquant" comes from Middle French, from present participle of piquer. First known use: 1645.