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 shoes feature a stylish high-vamp design, which is trending for fall, and a sharp pointed-toe silhouette, with a leopard-print detail all over the shoe. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Investors and insurers are starting to ask developers more pointed questions about the buildings’ physical integrity and siting, Peiser said, and asking for better forecasts about future climate exposure. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2026

What began as a pointed statement quickly expanded into a communal anthem, driven by a hook built to be shouted back. — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026

That comment seems too pointed to be random, and now he’s grown into an All-American kid? — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 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