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 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

Synonyms

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

But after another postseason disappointment and some pointed comments from the lead executive, the Phillies might be looking around for a trade partner for the face of their franchise. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

The pointed pump peeked through the high-low hem of the Carolina Herrera dress Silverstone wore. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025

Style it with work pants and pointed-toe boots for an easy, office-ready outfit, or wear it with jeans and sneakers when heading out on brisk fall days. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

Viktor & Rolf played with exaggerated pointed collars and shorts with built in denim jackets tied around the waist. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

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