as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
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 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
-
What remains is not shame or bitterness, but genuine care.—
Kelly Foster Lundquist,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
-
This swap will not only increase the healthfulness of your recipe, but dark chocolate’s bitterness is the perfect contrast to the sweetness of most baked goods.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
30 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share