Synonyms of poignancy

poignancy

noun

ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē 

as in bitterness

a harsh or sharp quality

there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bitterness
• bite
• edge
• poignance
• acidity
• acerbity
• pungency
• harshness
• severity
• acuteness
• roughness
• spice
• sharpness
• acrimony
• tartness
• acridity
• asperity
• keenness
• punch
• tang
• acridness
• acidness
• acrimoniousness
• severeness
• shrillness
• ginger
• virulence
• vitriol
• pointedness
• raucousness
• maliciousness
• thorniness
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• softness
• gentleness
• mildness
• kindliness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of poignancy

The women were shown snoozing while the movie did its best to not disturb their slumber—revealing an additional, crucial poignancy. — Erik Adams, The Atlantic, 10 May 2026

If in previous seasons, Euphoria foregrounded erotic imagery to make a point about the confusing and often painful process of coming to terms with one’s sexuality, now that poignancy is gone. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026

The timing of the words added poignancy to the messages. — John Odenthal, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

But the scene’s real poignancy will come from their sudden realization of how completely wrong their assumptions have been about the public’s attitude towards their products. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026