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

Throughout the record, Schmitt shifts his identity as a narrator, flipping from his slightly nasal twang to a pointed use of Auto-Tune. — Cameron Cook, Pitchfork, 13 Nov. 2026

After defending his wife, Curry closed with a pointed thank you to the critics for the unsolicited publicity. — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2026

But the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States also delivered a pointed message about the need to break gangs’ control while ensuring that security operations protect civilians. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026

Silhouettes include a pointed-toe slingback pump and a heeled strappy sandal, both in a recognizable olive green satin contrasted by the red insole. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 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