poignant

adjective

ˈpȯi-nyənt How to pronounce poignant (audio)
Definition of poignantnext
1
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies a poignant story of a love affair that ends in tragedy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses a poignant truthfulness to the author's observations on marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poignant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of poignant are affecting, impressive, moving, pathetic, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

How do affecting and moving relate to one another, in the sense of poignant?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When can impressive be used instead of poignant?

In some situations, the words impressive and poignant are roughly equivalent. However, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

In what contexts can moving take the place of poignant?

Although the words moving and poignant have much in common, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When might pathetic be a better fit than poignant?

The words pathetic and poignant can be used in similar contexts, but pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When is touching a more appropriate choice than poignant?

While in some cases nearly identical to poignant, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 poignant Perhaps the most poignant issue discussed at the hearing is the implementation of roster limits. —Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 The dyed eggs are a poignant reminder of the hope and renewal that Easter embodies. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025 Both alternating narratives are steeped in a poignant form of gallows humor. —Alida Becker, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 The opening of this year’s world championships was also a poignant occasion as the figure staking community paid tribute to those who died in a plane crash in Washington, DC, earlier this year. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
  1. emotional
  2. spicy
  3. impressive
  4. piquant
  5. delicious
  6. pungent
  7. fascinating
  8. zesty
Adjective
  • Her emotional response and (to be fair, unethical) choice to threaten the guy suggest to the viewer that Dr. Santos herself experienced a similar kind of trauma as a child.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For Liv in particular, their idea of what that final ride on the plane was going to be was an emotional one.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of emotional
Adjective
  • The spicy salsa and tangy cucumber salad brought out the best of the tender birria.
    — Jessica Boehm, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The finish is long and flavorful, with a lingering spicy aftertaste of cinnamon and clove notes.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • While his Jackhammer is an impressive feat of strength, the Spear is what made Goldberg a monster.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Lewis comes in ranked No. 9, so a victory from Teixeira—especially an impressive one—will likely land him in the Top 10.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of impressive
Adjective
  • The sauce is a piquant blend of tomato and vinegar that complements the pork shoulder.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Here, from the February 21, 1925, issue, are some particularly piquant reminders of shows past.
    — The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025
Definition of piquant
Adjective
  • Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch, fabulous raffle and listen to New York TImes bestselling author Sarah Penner discuss her new book The Amalfi Curse.Visit www.libraryguildrsf.org or call 858-756-4780 to register.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of delicious
Adjective
  • Most industry observers will recognize the pungent whiff of AI that YouTube’s algorithm lifts under the nose, but for some, the movie commercials can be indiscernible from the real deal.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The result was a substance with a pungent smell — an odorizer that wiped out an offending odor by creating one that was arguably even worse (think: chlorine, but several times stronger).
    — Jacob Bernstein, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of pungent
Adjective
  • While Colorado itself hasn't had significant success, Deion has at least produced some fascinating NFL prospects.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Adult Tai was such a fascinating character in Season 1, and she’s been totally ruined in the following seasons.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • The Polish Cannonball delivers comfort with egg noodles, kielbasa, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all drizzled with a zesty herb crema.
    — Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Producers take big swings with unexpected botanicals like earthy eucalyptus, zesty green turmeric, and floral, fragrant mangosteen, a fruit native to Southeast Asia.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of zesty

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poignancy
poignant
poignantly
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“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of poignant for Spanish Speakers

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