as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of poignancy
There will be a similar poignancy this year for the 50th anniversary of the ‘75 pennant team, which will be incomplete without Luis Tiant, who passed away last October.
—
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2025
The pair channel a believable chemistry as father and daughter that lands the emotional poignancy of a penultimate scene.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025
This version is understated and plays perfectly into the poignancy behind the possibility that Teri might be among the living and not in the afterlife.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
If anything, that fact gives the film extra poignancy.
8.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2025
The pair channel a believable chemistry as father and daughter that lands the emotional poignancy of a penultimate scene.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025
This version is understated and plays perfectly into the poignancy behind the possibility that Teri might be among the living and not in the afterlife.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
If anything, that fact gives the film extra poignancy.
8.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignancy
Noun
-
In Jackson, the battle’s over, and those who suffered bites accept their fate.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This home remedy can help to cool and soothe insect bites.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Roberts has played several positions across the defensive front but has been primarily an edge defender.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Six female celebs — including pop songstress Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King and Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, author Lauren Sánchez — are slated to blast off Monday morning in a Blue Origin rocket headed for the edge of space.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Babe Ruth and other Yankee teammates appear in the film, thus adding to its authenticity and poignance.—
Mike Barnes,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Dec. 2024
-
Horowitz’s operation embodied both the allure and the poignance of the trade.—
Tad Friend,
The New Yorker,
21 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignancy. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share