1
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a poignant story of a love affair that ends in tragedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a poignant truthfulness to the author's observations on marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of poignant
Many of Abbott’s personal items appear in the film, lending a poignant dose of reality.
—
Barry Levitt, Time, 7 Oct. 2025
In a particularly poignant moment in the film, Jiang stands by the window at night and pretends to capture and punch the shadow of a security guard downstairs.
—Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
There’s a frustration with the status quo, and a concern about how the future will view us, that drives both films, and that Mendonça Filho maneuvers to visceral, poignant conclusions.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
The Clone Wars was an epic show, and, in many ways, carried some of the most poignant and overtly political moments of the whole franchise.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Barry Levitt, Time, 7 Oct. 2025
In a particularly poignant moment in the film, Jiang stands by the window at night and pretends to capture and punch the shadow of a security guard downstairs.
—Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
There’s a frustration with the status quo, and a concern about how the future will view us, that drives both films, and that Mendonça Filho maneuvers to visceral, poignant conclusions.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
The Clone Wars was an epic show, and, in many ways, carried some of the most poignant and overtly political moments of the whole franchise.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
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Psyk said he was moved that the coach was emotional speaking to media, alums and boosters.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Oct. 2025
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An emotional Wilson shared an embrace with her partner, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, following the win.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The staff is brisk, used to locals ordering with a shorthand as precise as Philly cheesesteak lingo, and the souvlaki itself is unlike anywhere else in Athens—simple, spicy, smoky, and closer to kebab than the standard style.—
Katherine Whittaker,
Saveur,
9 Oct. 2025
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Evans asked him to detail why, but Doncic, who was suffering from the heat of the spicy wings, just repeated the song’s title.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Perhaps the most impressive part of his scouting report is his intangibles.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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With more time, detour west for a half-day into tiny Siloam Springs, home to a postcard-charming downtown and impressive kayak park (open year-round; just check the website for current river conditions).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The tequila daisy cocktail, served in a clay cantarito cup smudged with sumac salt, is piquant with ancho verde, mellowed with summer strawberry.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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His piquant style of writing in the unfinished tell-all feels like dropping into a gossip circle in the most glamorous (and cutting) powder room on the planet.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Our Test Kitchen pros are always developing delicious pasta recipes, but this One-Pot Spaghetti has become extra famous around the office.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
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Smoothies are a delicious treat that's creamy, cold and full of flavor.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That goes for bars of pungent soap, essential oils, sonic repellant devices, and hanging up pennies in bags of water, a favorite Internet myth.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
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The pungent smell of weed pervaded the arena as YoungBoy performed an eclectic set, showcasing the breadth of songs in his catalog.—
Jayson Buford,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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The puzzle of who-knows-who-knows-what, always fascinating to fans of mystery novels and spy thrillers, has long preoccupied psychologists and game theorists.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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According to information obtained by PEOPLE, Retro Diet Coke Lime is returning to shelves nationwide, with its signature zesty lime kick that first won hearts before being discontinued in 2018.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
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Inside are eight zesty colors of her choosing — out of Crayola’s 357 different hues — spanning yellow, blue, pink, green and purple.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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