Synonym Chooser

How is the word poignant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of poignant are affecting, impressive, moving, pathetic, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

How do affecting and moving relate to one another, in the sense of poignant?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When can impressive be used instead of poignant?

In some situations, the words impressive and poignant are roughly equivalent. However, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

In what contexts can moving take the place of poignant?

Although the words moving and poignant have much in common, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When might pathetic be a better fit than poignant?

The words pathetic and poignant can be used in similar contexts, but pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When is touching a more appropriate choice than poignant?

While in some cases nearly identical to poignant, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 poignant The scope widens as necessary — to a cross-country train ride, a college campus, a corporate office, and more — but that duo by the water is the heartbeat of a poignant, unmissable film. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025 But an inevitable dip in the final scenes into something poignant doesn’t let the comedy slip completely away. Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 In the wake of his death, Johansson paid tribute to Redford and reflected on their time together filming The Horse Whisperer in a poignant statement to EW. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025 The poignant meaning behind the collection is symbolized through the olive branch motif. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
  • For the Rakhimovs, the moment was emotional.
    Dada Jovanovic, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Group dynamics may trigger deep emotional wounds when the Sagittarius moon activates Venus.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Le Monde Gourmand's warm yet spicy scent, with hints of nutmeg, sandalwood and musk, is the perfect aroma for sweater weather.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • People with acid reflux, IBD, or celiac disease may need to avoid spicy foods despite potential health benefits.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Smith also put together an impressive stat line, reeling in eight catches for 60 yards and a score.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The power bank is more impressive than NOCO’s smaller versions.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The tequila daisy cocktail, served in a clay cantarito cup smudged with sumac salt, is piquant with ancho verde, mellowed with summer strawberry.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • His piquant style of writing in the unfinished tell-all feels like dropping into a gossip circle in the most glamorous (and cutting) powder room on the planet.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Nothing beats a delicious meal that comes together in one pot while delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Besides the delicious sandwiches, the mango and papaya parfait was particularly delightful and light, and the chocolate cake came adored with a pink butterfly.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is the most common type of black salt, known for its pungent and savory flavor.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 24 Sep. 2025
  • From November through February, when the elusive fungi are especially pungent, guests learn about America’s flourishing truffle market and the importance of domestic cultivation, as Luca’s nose helps unearth Black Périgords and Kentucky Winter White Truffles, a native variety discovered in 2020.
    Nicholas DeRenzo, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The psychology of crime is absolutely fascinating.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Inside are eight zesty colors of her choosing — out of Crayola’s 357 different hues — spanning yellow, blue, pink, green and purple.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Chorizo, a zesty pork sausage used in Mexican and Spanish cuisines, serves this goal admirably.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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