Quick answer
Piqued means aroused, stimulated, or mildly irritated depending on context. It is usually pronounced , and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Piqued
Piqued describes someone or something that is aroused, stimulated, or mildly irritated depending on context. It belongs to emotions and peculiar mind states and works best in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
emotionsmind-stateexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is piqued, it is aroused, stimulated, or mildly irritated depending on context. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Piqued feels absurd because the shape of it looks and sounds a little awkward in exactly the right way, which helps it stick in the ear.
Origin and history
Piqued is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Piqued is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The review called the minister’s reply positively piqued.
- One piqued remark was enough to sour the entire meeting.
- The novel introduces a piqued uncle who complains before breakfast.
- His piqued tone made the ordinary objection sound much worse than it was.
- She likes the word because even the insult feels slightly theatrical when it is piqued.
When should you use this word?
Use piqued when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
Similar words
addled, agita, angst, befogged, besotted
Opposite or contrasting words
calm, ease, composure
Common questions
- What does piqued mean? aroused, stimulated, or mildly irritated depending on context.
- How do you pronounce piqued? It is commonly pronounced .
- Is piqued still used today? Piqued is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use piqued? Use piqued when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
- What words are similar to piqued? Similar words include addled, agita, angst, and befogged.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.