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
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
Frank’s background adds poignancy to the case’s outcome.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Directed by Scarlett Johansson in her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great's poignancy won't leave a dry eye in the theater.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
The Office had a tone that included some poignancy and a bit of nostalgia.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
Frank’s background adds poignancy to the case’s outcome.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Directed by Scarlett Johansson in her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great's poignancy won't leave a dry eye in the theater.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
The Office had a tone that included some poignancy and a bit of nostalgia.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being poignant
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share