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
Examples of poignancy in a Sentence
there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
Recent Examples on the Web
While there are flashes of poignancy in the estrangement between Byron and Benny, neither the workplace discrimination endured by Byron nor the domestic abuse suffered by Benny strays even an inch from textbook-standard beats.
—
Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Oct. 2023
Rarely can this ensemble have shaped Schubert’s melodies with such humanity and poignancy, or given such a raw, intense account of the Beethoven fugue.
—David Allen, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2023
The trouble is that, for all the comedy and the poignancy of this central concept, the movie requires a plot.
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2023
The poignancy of the movie’s formal conceit is that, by stepping into their roles, Matar and Karoui embody both a consoling presence and a devastating absence.
—Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2023
The bassist remembered the poignancy and individualism – to say nothing of his power within the industry – of the vocalist even during the September of his years.
—A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 27 Oct. 2023
There’s just this kind of poignancy about physical artifacts that nothing digital can match.
—John Williams, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023
Perkins and Chavez-Richmond are delivering absolutely winning performances, expertly walking the line between buffoonery and poignancy.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2023
The scene is enacted with a careful balance of poignancy and humor.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023
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Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Oct. 2023
Rarely can this ensemble have shaped Schubert’s melodies with such humanity and poignancy, or given such a raw, intense account of the Beethoven fugue.
—David Allen, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2023
The trouble is that, for all the comedy and the poignancy of this central concept, the movie requires a plot.
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2023
The poignancy of the movie’s formal conceit is that, by stepping into their roles, Matar and Karoui embody both a consoling presence and a devastating absence.
—Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2023
The bassist remembered the poignancy and individualism – to say nothing of his power within the industry – of the vocalist even during the September of his years.
—A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 27 Oct. 2023
There’s just this kind of poignancy about physical artifacts that nothing digital can match.
—John Williams, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023
Perkins and Chavez-Richmond are delivering absolutely winning performances, expertly walking the line between buffoonery and poignancy.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2023
The scene is enacted with a careful balance of poignancy and humor.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poignancy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near poignancy
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being poignant
More from Merriam-Webster on poignancy
Nglish: Translation of poignancy for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of poignancy for Arabic Speakers
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