pointed

1 of 2

adjective (1)

point·​ed ˈpȯin-təd How to pronounce pointed (audio)
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Fan reaction Fans have been unloading on the band via social media, particularly in response to Sixx’s tweet and to one pointed post on Mötley Crüe’s Instagram page, hoping for unity among the musicians. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2023 Naturalist Thomas-François Dalibard set up a sentry box with a 12.2-meter pointed iron bar in the garden at his home at Marly-la-Ville, 25 kilometers north of Paris. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Apr. 2023 The dial is classically minimalist, with needle-thin central hour and minute hands and eccentric details like long pointed hash marks at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, pearled 18k white gold minute markers and an 18k gold Maltese cross, the brand’s logo, at 12 o’clock. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2023 Admittedly, Swarm personally feels a little too pointed in its exploration of standom at times, zooming the lens intensely on one artist and her fans in particular. Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 17 Mar. 2023 Over the weekend, former Vice President Mike Pence issued the most pointed criticism of Trump yet from potential GOP presidential candidates, focused on Trump’s actions on Jan. 6, 2021. Ben Kamisar, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2023 Cyrus summons her raspiest bellow for the chorus, which feels slapped in from another song and heightens the feeling that this particular track was more pointed catharsis than a candidate for the pop charts. Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2023 For the evening affairs, Kate wore a bright red suit by Alexander McQueen with coordinating pointed heels and a clutch bag in the same hue. Nicola Fumo, Peoplemag, 9 May 2023 Theories based on song lyrics, a seemingly pointed tattoo removal and old tweets emerged to take hold for years. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pointed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pointed was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pointed

Cite this Entry

“Pointed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointed. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pointed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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