as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
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Recent Examples of poignancy
Frank’s background adds poignancy to the case’s outcome.
—
Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Directed by Scarlett Johansson in her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great's poignancy won't leave a dry eye in the theater.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
The Office had a tone that included some poignancy and a bit of nostalgia.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025
On November 2, 2025, the Baltimore Museum of Art will open the mid-career survey capturing the power and poignancy of Sherald’s artistry, tracing her ascendance to the most influential figurative painter of our time.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Directed by Scarlett Johansson in her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great's poignancy won't leave a dry eye in the theater.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
The Office had a tone that included some poignancy and a bit of nostalgia.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025
On November 2, 2025, the Baltimore Museum of Art will open the mid-career survey capturing the power and poignancy of Sherald’s artistry, tracing her ascendance to the most influential figurative painter of our time.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignancy
Noun
-
Biden’s attempts to reingratiate himself have largely fallen on deaf ears, given the lasting bitterness many Democrats hold over his handling of the last year of his presidency.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Cook mustard greens with olive oil and spices like pepper flakes and garlic, then add vinegar or lemon juice to balance the bitterness.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Crisp bits of bacon add a salty crunch, while the green onion brings a fresh, mild bite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The poolside Joia Bar, modeled after a traditional Dominican casita, overlooks the lagoon pool and the sea, offering light bites, appetizers, and cocktails.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The measure appears to have been the least favored around the southeastern edge of the county, an area that was originally supposed to get access to the silver line.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
-
These changes, as well as, wearing bangs were a major key to keeping her edges strong.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
By contrast, Borghi limns a figure of comingled sensuality, threat and eventual poignance, without ever appearing to reach for effect.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
31 Oct. 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
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignancy. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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