piquant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "piquant crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to solving.
Solutions for "piquant crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ACID: Having a sharp, sour, or pungent taste or smell, which can be piquant.
KEEN: Can mean having a sharp or pungent taste, aligning with piquant.
5 Letters
TANGY: A common synonym for piquant, referring to a sharply flavored taste.
SPICY: Refers to food that has a strong, hot flavor, a clear characteristic of piquant dishes.
ZESTY: Full of zest; lively and pungent, often used to describe piquant flavors.
SHARP: Describing a taste that is distinct and often pungent, fitting the piquant description.
NIPPY: Having a piquant, tart, or biting taste; sharp or pungent.
6 Letters
BITING: Pungent or sharp to the taste or smell, often in a pleasantly stimulating way.
SAVORY: Describes food that is salty or spicy rather than sweet, often implying a piquant quality.
More About "piquant crossword clue"
The word "piquant" comes from the French word meaning "to prick" or "to sting," which perfectly captures its essence in English. It refers to something that has a pleasantly sharp or appetizing flavor or quality, often spicy, tangy, or stimulating. When you encounter "piquant" in a crossword clue, consider both the literal taste sensation and the figurative meaning of being stimulating or intriguing.
Crossword setters love "piquant" because it has a versatile range of synonyms that fit various letter counts. From a zesty lemon to a fiery chili, or even a clever remark, "piquant" covers a broad spectrum. Always check the surrounding words in the clue for context, as they might hint at whether the answer should be related to food, personality, or an idea.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "piquant," think about the subtle differences between similar synonyms. Is the clue hinting at a sour piquant (like ACID) or a spicy piquant (like SPICY)?
- Consider Word Lengths First: Before guessing, always check the number of boxes available. This immediately eliminates many potential answers and significantly narrows your search.
- Look for Plurals or Tenses: Even for adjectives, sometimes clues will imply a different form of the word. While "piquant" is an adjective, related words might appear in verb or noun forms if the clue suggests it.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most powerful tool in crossword solving is using letters from already solved clues. Even one correct intersecting letter can often reveal the full word for a tricky clue like "piquant."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'piquant' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'piquant' often refers to a flavor that is pleasantly sharp, spicy, tangy, or stimulating to the taste. It can also imply something stimulating to the mind, lively, or spirited, so consider both culinary and metaphorical meanings based on the clue's context.
How do I identify the correct 'piquant' answer among many options?
To narrow down options for 'piquant,' first check the number of letters required. Then, use intersecting letters from other clues. Finally, consider the exact nuance of the clue: is it suggesting a taste (like 'tangy' or 'spicy') or a more general lively quality ('zesty')? The specific phrasing of the clue is key.
Are there common word patterns or synonyms for 'piquant' clues?
Common synonyms for 'piquant' that frequently appear in crosswords include TANGY, SPICY, ZESTY, SHARP, BITING, NIPPY, and ACERB. Shorter answers like ACID or KEEN can also fit. Pay attention to whether the clue hints at a pleasant sharpness or a more bitter, acrid one, as 'piquant' can lean both ways depending on context.