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
By the end, Death Stranding 2 feels less like a rebuke of digital life and more like a poignant appeal for balance.
—
Simon Parkin, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Some family members called Obama's presence days later at a funeral service and his rendition of the hymn a poignant moment as the country grappled with the horror of people gunned down in church.
—Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 17 June 2025
For Hill and many others living in the region, the salamander has become an icon of the area’s fragile aquatic ecosystems, a poignant symbol of the area’s environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.
—Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 June 2025
It has been widely considered one of the most poignant tracks in Yungblud’s catalog to date.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Simon Parkin, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Some family members called Obama's presence days later at a funeral service and his rendition of the hymn a poignant moment as the country grappled with the horror of people gunned down in church.
—Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 17 June 2025
For Hill and many others living in the region, the salamander has become an icon of the area’s fragile aquatic ecosystems, a poignant symbol of the area’s environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.
—Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 June 2025
It has been widely considered one of the most poignant tracks in Yungblud’s catalog to date.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
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Jackson added that his studio helps people clear their mental and emotional vessels through yoga and meditation, aiding in stress management and overall well-being.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
5 July 2025
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Cortisol rises during times of emotional or physical stress.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Produced by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Belle Meade Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that offers a rich and spicy profile.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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On Thursday, July 10, the beloved Snack Wrap — available in spicy and ranch varieties — returns.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Bailey flashed a sweet jumper and impressive athleticism but struggled with his shot selection and had more turnovers than assists.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
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The power couple were famously photographed riding a water-taxi ahead of their nuptials, which included an impressive guest list of A-list celebrities.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
FOXNews.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
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And to think, this pitiless conquistador came to North America as a humble kitchen herb, deliberately imported by European settlers for its piquant flavor.—
Zoë Lescaze,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Roasting them low and slow in a preheated oven, or cooking them slowly in a slow cooker, smoker, or sous vide before finishing on the grill or under the broiler, can all yield tender, delicious results.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
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Coupled with a healthy diet and lifestyle, these delicious drinks can keep your gut happy, balanced, and thriving.—
Lauren Manaker MS,
Health,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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In a different context, the same pungent word applied to his devastating 2 a.m. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.—
Rich Lowry,
National Review,
23 June 2025
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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,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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The sense of smell is complex and fascinating — and in many ways still mysterious.—
Avery Hurt,
Discover Magazine,
27 June 2025
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Her appetite for life's most fascinating experiences is matched only by her desire to help fuel readers' own hungers and aspirations.—
Sarah Perez,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Peach Ginger Bourbon Spritz At Saltwood Bar at Loews Atlanta Hotel, a refreshing blend of smooth bourbon and zesty lemon juice, topped with Betty Booze’s apple, ginger and sour cherry infusion, and finished with a fragrant mint sprig and lemon garnish for a burst of summer in every sip.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The zesty homemade dressing and interesting additions like mini mozzarella balls make this recipe a keeper.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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