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.
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 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 As Pansy, a London housewife at furious odds with herself and the world, Jean-Baptiste brought stunning poignancy to what might otherwise have been a one-note rant. Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 19 Apr. 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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