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
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Recent Examples of piquancy
But there’s a special spice, a special piquancy, to our Reacherism right now.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2024
Tender chunks of pork shoulder are braised in an aromatic broth of onions, garlic, serrano chiles and, most notably, green Hatch chiles, which cut through the rich stew with their distinctive piquancy.
—Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2023
While its distinctive piquancy might throw some off, that very taste is what keeps it on the South Korean table week after week.
—Violet Kim, CNN, 28 June 2023
Just enough to assert its piquancy and hint at the dish’s roots.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for piquancy
James Parker, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2024
Tender chunks of pork shoulder are braised in an aromatic broth of onions, garlic, serrano chiles and, most notably, green Hatch chiles, which cut through the rich stew with their distinctive piquancy.
—Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2023
While its distinctive piquancy might throw some off, that very taste is what keeps it on the South Korean table week after week.
—Violet Kim, CNN, 28 June 2023
Just enough to assert its piquancy and hint at the dish’s roots.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for piquancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piquancy
Noun
-
Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois Chicken Salad This chicken salad with cabbage, radicchio and a nutty dressing from chef Wolfgang Puck is a celebration of texture and boasts a balance of acidity, spice and sweetness.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2025
-
Could any foods or spices interact with my medications?—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
The palate unfolds with a rich fruitcake and cigar, brightened by orange zest and baking spices, leading to a warming finish.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé is pale pink colored with aromas of honeysuckle, strawberry, citrus zest, and jasmine that lead to flavors of red raspberry, rose hip tea, and red plum.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Piquancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piquancy. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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