poignancy

poi·gnan·cy

noun
\ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nən(t)-sē\

plural poi·gnan·cies

Definition of POIGNANCY

1

: the quality or state of being poignant

2

: an instance of poignancy

Examples of POIGNANCY

1. <there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting>

First Known Use of POIGNANCY

1730

Related to POIGNANCY

Synonyms: acerbity, acidity, acidness, acridity, acridness, acrimoniousness, acrimony, acuteness, asperity, bite, bitterness, harshness, keenness, poignance, edge, pungency, roughness, sharpness, tartness

Antonyms: mildness, softness

Related Words: ginger, punch, spice, tang; raucousness, severeness, severity, shrillness, virulence, vitriol; cattiness, maliciousness; pointedness, thorniness

Near Antonyms: gentleness, kindliness

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