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

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

However things turn out next month, Bowe’s 38th birthday will coincide with another passage in her life, one dripping with anticipation and, perhaps, a dose of poignancy. —Steve Buckley, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

The land there glows with poignancy about this time, when the old year is not quite dead and the new one not quite ready. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026

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