pointed

1 of 2

adjective (1)

point·​ed ˈpȯin-təd 

1

a

: having a point

b

: being an arch with a pointed crown

also : marked by the use of a pointed arch

pointed architecture

2

a

: being to the point : pertinent

b

: aimed at a particular person or group

3

: conspicuous, marked

pointed indifference

4

: having points that contrast in color with the basic coat color

a pointed cat

pointedly adverb

pointedness noun

pointed

2 of 2

adjective (2)

obsolete

: set, fixed

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• peaked
• pointy
• sharp
• spired
• tipped

Examples of pointed in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

the sansevieria's long pointed leaves make it an easily recognized houseplant

he made a number of pointed remarks on the crisis abroad

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Yellowjackets? Wasps, which are typically about the size of a paper clip, can be identified by their pointed lower abdomens and narrow midsections, according to National Geographic. —Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 21 July 2024

Atop the pyramid, the team found an offering: a pointed flint blade and ceramic fragments. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 July 2024

Centering that non-threatening work is a pointed choice when there are AI companies like Runway, a video generation company, poised to supplant scores of creative industry jobs. —Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 19 July 2024

Wednesday night’s convention speakers were perhaps the most pointed in their recollections of the moment. —Sam Janesch, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (2)

short for appointed

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective (2)

1523, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pointed

adjective

point·​ed

ˈpȯint-əd

1

: having a point

2

a

: being to the point : pertinent

b

: aimed at a particular person or group

pointed remarks

pointedly adverb

pointedness noun