POIGNANCE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

poignance

noun

ˈpȯi-nyən(t)s

Definition of poignance

as in bitterness

a harsh or sharp quality there's a mean-spirited poignance to the novel's satiric portrait of Hollywood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of poignance That milestone might have held a particular poignance for Branch Rickey. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Jan. 2025 Babe Ruth and other Yankee teammates appear in the film, thus adding to its authenticity and poignance. — Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024 Horowitz’s operation embodied both the allure and the poignance of the trade. — Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 This reader, with at least 50 years more in corporeal form than Ching, could not help but rapidly identify with her wisdom and experience the poignance of her story. — BostonGlobe.com, 9 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for poignance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignance

Noun

This copper beauty serves up bold floral and citrus aromas, plus the signature IPA bitterness.

— Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Little united the Syrian rebels during the country’s civil war from 2011 to 2024 outside of their hatred of Assad, and Damascus has sought to cultivate this memory of bitterness to keep the country’s disparate groups together.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

It's usually transmitted through a bite from a bat, coyote, fox, raccoon or skunk.

— Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Eating it inspires an appreciation for the seamless integration of Mexican and Middle Eastern influences, melding to a state of emphatic brilliance in each bite.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of bite

Noun

Lewie Coyle is now ready to make his Premier League debut after working his way up English football’s ladder, but there is a poignancy to the story after father Chris, a market trader in their home city, died in 2022.

— Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
But because Kore-eda’s subpar script is short on emotional depth, the director leans on Bandoh to sell a poignancy the audience isn’t feeling.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of poignancy

Noun

L’Agence’s Lian jacket called my name immediately, delivering uptown elegance with a downtown edge when styled with jeans and a white tee.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
Stock up Defensive end R Mason Thomas The Chiefs are looking for more speed off the edge, and Thomas delivered.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of edge

Browse Nearby Words

pogroms

poignance

poignancy

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Style

“Poignance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignance. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of poignance

noun

Example Sentences

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