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

• 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

The poignancy of the fact his goal was timed at 20:20 was lost on no one as the Diogo Jota song was echoing around Wembley when the ball hit the net. —James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025

But Westenberg, who’s a touch too emphatic early on, lends poignancy to the cathartic release that ushers Neil into a new place of self-understanding. —Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025

But Trump’s support essentially clinched it, and the candidates’ eagerness for his backing demonstrated the poignancy of his political influence. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 11 June 2025

Jacinto also brings easygoing warmth and a dash of poignancy to his role as the poster-boy fiancé. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025

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