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, 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 2

adjective (2)

obsolete

: set, fixed

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

Many are dressed as nazarenos, wearing tunics, capes or robes and a pointed hood. —Alexis Marshall, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026

Try these striking pumps with studded buckle detailing along their pointed-toes. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026

With thousands of Marines and Army paratroopers now deployed to the Middle East, the possibility of boots on the ground is no longer theoretical—and Bannon is using it to force a pointed question about who, exactly, should be doing the fighting. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

These will prompt the most vociferous and pointed outcry. —Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 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