poignancy

noun

poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē 

 sometimes  ˈpȯi(g)-nən(t)-sē

plural poignancies

1

: the quality or state of being poignant

2

: an instance of poignancy

Synonyms of poignancy

• bitterness
• bite
• edge
• poignance

Examples of poignancy in a Sentence

there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting

Recent Examples on the Web

But perhaps some of it had to do with precisely this feeling of poignancy that seeing me would have engendered in him. —Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025

As boundaries shrink and conventions blur, romantic rivalries continue to erupt—as do their possibilities onscreen, from the partner-sharing poignancy of Jules et Jim to the karmic relationships of Sex and the City to the competitive-courting of Challengers. —John Ortved, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025

Del Toro’s empathy for the Creature is total—and so, owing to the aching poignancy and underlying rage of Elordi’s performance, is ours. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025

Well, let’s get a little personal then – In terms of personal poignancy, what is Sundance, what is Bob Redford’s legacy for you? —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

poignancy

noun

poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən-sē 

: the quality or state of being poignant