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

Relevance

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

Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness.

— Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Delicate notes of wild berries complement the citrusy hop character and crisp, dry finish, creating a perfect balance of fruity flavor and bitterness.

— Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

In the 1960s a contagious reticulum cell sarcoma spread through a colony of laboratory hamsters, passing from animal to animal and even by the bite of a mosquito.

— John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Strawberries pack an impressive amount of nutrition into every bite, with fiber a standout nutrient.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2026

Definition of bite

Noun

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
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.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026

Definition of poignancy

Noun

Connection feels safer when nobody has to guess where the edge is.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Lake Michigan is its main shoreline, though the northern edge also touches the Black River, a popular spot for kayakers and boaters, who can tie up at the waterfront restaurants.

— Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of poignance

noun

Example Sentences

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