pointed

1 of 3

adjective (1)

point·​ed ˈpȯin-təd 

1

a

: having a point

b

: being an arch with a pointed crown

also : marked by the use of a pointed arch

pointed architecture

2

a

: being to the point : pertinent

b

: aimed at a particular person, group, or thing

made a pointed remark

3

: conspicuous, marked

pointed indifference

4

: having points that contrast in color with the basic coat color

a pointed cat

pointedly adverb

pointedness noun

pointed

2 of 3

adjective (2)

obsolete

: set, fixed

pointed

3 of 3

past tense and past participle of point entry 2

Synonyms of pointed

Adjective (1)

• tipped
• sharp
• barbed
• peaked
• jagged

Examples of pointed in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

the sansevieria's long pointed leaves make it an easily recognized houseplant

he made a number of pointed remarks on the crisis abroad

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Thiel was even more pointed about the pope, suggesting Leo’s focus on AI is a distraction from the Catholic Church’s legacy of abuse. — Sasha Tuddenham, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026

Hosted by comedian and cerebral palsy advocate Tina Friml, the ceremony took place at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, combining humor with pointed calls for the film and television industry to invest more in recruiting disabled talent. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

The shoes featured a sharp pointed toe and a sleek yet sturdy shape. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

The producer made some pointed observations about the state of independent cinema. — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (2)

short for appointed

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective (2)

1523, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pointed

• jointed
• anointed
• appointed
• disjointed
• pinpointed
• disappointed
• reappointed

Kids Definition

pointed

adjective

point·​ed

ˈpȯint-əd

1

: having a point

2

a

: being to the point : pertinent

b

: aimed at a particular person or group

pointed remarks

pointedly adverb

pointedness noun