pointed

1 of 3

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, group, or thing

made a pointed remark

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 3

adjective (2)

obsolete

: set, fixed

pointed

3 of 3

past tense and past participle of point entry 2

Synonyms of pointed

Adjective (1)

• tipped
• sharp
• barbed
• peaked
• jagged

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

The 11-track set finds the Scottish trio of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty turning a more pointed eye toward British identity and the country’s darker social realities. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026

Eilish’s routine demonstrates how a pointed eyebrow applicator can create the appearance of freckles without a specialty product. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Dangerously sharp pointed toes have been trending in the footwear space and have been spotted in the latest collections by Saint Laurent, Gucci and more. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Don’t forget the sleek black shades and pointed pumps, either. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for pointed

• jointed
• anointed
• appointed
• disjointed
• pinpointed
• disappointed
• reappointed

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