poignancy

noun

poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē How to pronounce poignancy (audio)
 sometimes  ˈpȯi(g)-nən(t)-sē
plural poignancies
1
: the quality or state of being poignant
2
: an instance of poignancy

Examples of poignancy in a Sentence

there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To drive home the pain and poignancy of that, the album cover featured a photo of Jeffreys as a child dressed in his baseball uniform to attend the historic game in which Jackie Robinson broke the color line. Jim Farber, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 The movie’s poignancy accumulates gradually, every supple turn expertly modulated as the presence of generations past becomes more tangible. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 Metcalf is the rare actor who can lunge after comedy without sacrificing the raw poignancy of her character. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 The poignancy of this scene, following all the horrors Ellie endures (and causes), is impossible to overstate. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignancy

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of poignancy was in 1680

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

poignancy

noun
poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən-sē How to pronounce poignancy (audio)
: the quality or state of being poignant

More from Merriam-Webster on poignancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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