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 There’s a particular poignance to Manousos giving this speech — an honest-to-goodness monologue by his standards — at the Darién Gap, amid the detritus of migrants who have shed their belongings to take this path from South to Central America. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for poignance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignance

Noun

The bitterness this caused would help lead to the rise of radical elements in Germany—Erzberger was murdered in 1921, and Hitler would come to power over the next decade—eventually bringing about the Second World War.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026
Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

As the guests arrived on the wedding day, they were treated to cocktails and delicious bites before taking a seat in the ceremony area.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
Serve chocolate cranberry bites, this zippy bundt cake or this cranberry curd tart on the dessert table.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of bite

Noun

Two came from edge Chop Robinson while another was courtesy of fellow edge Josh Uche.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Bake pie until edges of filling are set and slightly puffed but center still wobbles a little when gently shaken, 40–50 minutes (filling will continue to set after baking).

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of edge

Browse Nearby Words

pogroms

poignance

poignancy

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“Poignance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignance. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of poignance

noun

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