as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there's a mean-spirited poignance to the novel's satiric portrait of Hollywood
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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
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In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness.
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Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter.
Noun
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The state averages about eight unprovoked bites each year, according to the FWC, which runs a statewide program to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.
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Keeping bug spray handy can help protect against annoying bites, while placing citronella candles around your yard or patio can keep pests at bay, especially once the sun sets.
Noun
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The enchanting woodsy and pastoral backgrounds when the action moves from the residential suburbs to the rural outskirts add to that poignancy, as do the dulcet tones of Randy Newman’s score.
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The women were shown snoozing while the movie did its best to not disturb their slumber—revealing an additional, crucial poignancy.
Noun
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The Americans came out energized in the second half and a Berhalter banger from the edge of the penalty area tied it up 2-2 in the 49th minute.
-
The Samurai Blue have the edge on shots, 2-1, but Sweden has the lone shot on target so far through 25 minutes.
Cite this Entry
“Poignance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignance. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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