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

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

Examples of poignancy in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect. —Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024

The period details couldn’t be better, and the final episode weaves the many elements together with effortless poignancy. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 29 May 2024

The poignancy of who died in the disaster also struck home — six immigrants from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico doing roadwork in the middle of the night. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2024

When the narrative skips forward by 30 years to reveal where life has taken Parthenope, her story finally acquires some poignancy. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 May 2024

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