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 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model paired the dress with black undergarments, pointed-toe pumps and a clutch. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

The material provided her in a Shirley Temple spoof was a sophomoric attempt at satire that got its laughs with pointed needling rather than subtle jabbing. — Hank Grant, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

Brooks Nader kept the pointed toe and bent the heel at Wednesday’s CFDA kickoff for New York Fashion Week, pairing glossy black pumps with an archival Dolce & Gabbana lace dress at Rockefeller Plaza on Wednesday night. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

Some of the most pointed memos at the time came from EPA chemist Cate Jenkins, who later became a whistleblower claiming the agency lied about air safety and downplayed the dangers of the dust. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 9 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