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

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, 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

But the final one may be the most memorable, simply because of the poignancy of the moment. — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026

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