1
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a poignant story of a love affair that ends in tragedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a poignant truthfulness to the author's observations on marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of poignant
This dramedy, about a man whose husband is abducted by aliens, is the perfect choice for summer — with a poignant twist.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
Girls Like Girls is an emotional, poignant, and honest story with a talented cast that brings out those warm, fuzzy feelings of a time when things felt genuine and simple – youth.
—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Beautifully filmed and achingly poignant.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
But these days, Jaimoe stands apart in another, more poignant way.
—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
Girls Like Girls is an emotional, poignant, and honest story with a talented cast that brings out those warm, fuzzy feelings of a time when things felt genuine and simple – youth.
—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Beautifully filmed and achingly poignant.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
But these days, Jaimoe stands apart in another, more poignant way.
—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
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The expansion’s Council proponents have never really addressed this point beyond emotional appeals to the plight of overburdened tenants.
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The emotional beats are incredible but don't linger for too long and the humor is great for both kids and parents.
Adjective
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This sweet and spicy guacamole contains chunks of golden mango mixed with a combination of jalapeño peppers and habanero pepper purée, plus onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, and, of course, Hass variety avocados.
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Even the sweet-and-spicy combinations showing up on menus this summer usually start with a base of garlic or ginger.
Adjective
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He is credited with achieving impressive economic growth, while leading the country during a brutal two-year civil war that ended in 2022.
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Thank you, United States Men’s National Team, for an early showing impressive enough to have already clinched the top of Group D and an advance to the knockout phase of this global event.
Adjective
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When prepared with skill, shrimp can be tender and sweet, perfect for dipping in tangy, piquant cocktail sauce.
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The piquant dish is lacquered with strawberry-guajillo barbecue sauce, while a punchy coleslaw with Fresno chile vinaigrette rounds things out.
Adjective
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Cherry trees showcase beautiful blooms in the spring and produce delicious fruit in late spring and early summer.
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The spinach and feta pastry was delicious, salty enough from the cheese filling and not too heavy.
Adjective
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The body was inside a bag in the trunk of a gray vehicle, which was opened by police due to its pungent smell.
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The body was inside a bag in the trunk of a gray vehicle, which was opened by police due to its pungent smell.
Adjective
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Not the most exciting half of soccer considering what else has gone on during the World Cup.
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Johnny is a former professional baseball player, which is exciting for Coop, who comes from a family of ball players.
Adjective
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Although not being anyone’s main focus this summer, the Golden Boot race is proving to be a fascinating subplot that will have plenty of twists and turns before the final next month.
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Both teams have already confirmed their place in the round of 32 and that game on Friday June 26 (3pm ET) will be a fascinating watch.
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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