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
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 to Simon's struggle that feels relatable to anybody stuck in their career or passion pursuits.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
The poignancy of their shock still resonates.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Digital copies of about half his earlier works survived and the California African American Museum recognized the poignancy of pairing them.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
But the live performances found poignancy in the city’s spirit as a music town.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
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Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
The poignancy of their shock still resonates.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Digital copies of about half his earlier works survived and the California African American Museum recognized the poignancy of pairing them.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
But the live performances found poignancy in the city’s spirit as a music town.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being poignant
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