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
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
In her first, deeply personal film, Hargitay embarks on a poignant search for the real woman behind the platinum bombshell
persona.
—
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
Seeing Johnson, 77, back onstage was particularly poignant considering he was forced to leave AC/DC's 2016 Rock or Bust World Tour because of severe hearing loss (it has since been rectified).
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
The resolution, too ingenious to detail here, concludes with the finest and most unexpectedly poignant visual pun in a series full of them.
—Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
This post contains details about the Yellowjackets, Season 3 episode ‘How the Story Ends’
As Yellowjackets fans mourn the Showtime series’ latest shocking death, the loss is especially poignant for the woman behind the team.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
Seeing Johnson, 77, back onstage was particularly poignant considering he was forced to leave AC/DC's 2016 Rock or Bust World Tour because of severe hearing loss (it has since been rectified).
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
The resolution, too ingenious to detail here, concludes with the finest and most unexpectedly poignant visual pun in a series full of them.
—Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
This post contains details about the Yellowjackets, Season 3 episode ‘How the Story Ends’
As Yellowjackets fans mourn the Showtime series’ latest shocking death, the loss is especially poignant for the woman behind the team.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
-
Controversy over wolf management can become more emotional and political than scientific.—
Olivia Ferrari,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Apr. 2025
-
His father, who has also served significant time in prison, explained the emotional weight of watching his son endure a similar experience.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The admirable Kentucky Freedom Run Farm provides the fine, flavorful lamb for a slow braising and sided with a spicy tomato jam risotto, coriander, mint-and-pistachio gremolata and the reduction of the meat’s juices.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
His agenda for a perfect day in L.A. includes a boat party, an ice bath and the most glorious spicy shrimp in town.—
Michelle Woo,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Cleetus McFarland, the popular automotive YouTuber whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, finished in an impressive P10 in the ARCA Menards Series at Talladega.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The Rossoneri saw off Inter in impressive fashion over two legs to secure a slot in their first Coppa Italia final in seven years.—
Emmet Gates,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But none of these things feels piquant in this production.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Grilling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy proteins and veggies, but there’s ways to make that grilling experience bigger and bolder, and add a lot of flavor.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
These large, flashy flowers—also known as titan arum—are famous for producing a pungent odor that stinks like rotting flesh.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The scorpion metaphor, though pungent, was poorly chosen.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Over the years, the city has developed a thriving drinking and dining scene that encompasses spirits and cultures from all across the globe, and there’s no shortage of fascinating educational institutions to visit as well, with topics spanning from sports to fine arts to wildlife conservation.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The All-American Mom Patz & Hall North Coast Brut Sparkling, CA: A crisp and zesty expression of 100% Chardonnay from cool climate vineyards.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
Taco Bell said its nuggets are marinated in a zesty jalapeño buttermilk flavor and breaded with a blend of breadcrumbs and crispy tortilla chips.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share