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
But Morse’s direct testimony and broader message Wednesday, particularly in the context of the Special Olympics, added an entirely different dimension to the poignant tale.
—
Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
The sounds, sights, and smells of the city are so poignant.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 May 2025
These conversations between health care professionals and patients are poignant as state lawmakers debate funding for the systems that offer shelter and other services for the unhoused population.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2025
Hired as a live-in caretaker in the opulent home, Ana Maria (Jenny Navarrete), a pregnant Colombian immigrant in Panama City hiding a major secret, develops a genuine bond with the initially standoffish Mechi, making for an unassumingly poignant and superbly acted two-hander.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
The sounds, sights, and smells of the city are so poignant.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 May 2025
These conversations between health care professionals and patients are poignant as state lawmakers debate funding for the systems that offer shelter and other services for the unhoused population.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2025
Hired as a live-in caretaker in the opulent home, Ana Maria (Jenny Navarrete), a pregnant Colombian immigrant in Panama City hiding a major secret, develops a genuine bond with the initially standoffish Mechi, making for an unassumingly poignant and superbly acted two-hander.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
-
Beyond Avoidance The Disengagement Continuum Work disengagement represents a psychological state characterized by emotional, cognitive and behavioral withdrawal from work roles.—
Jonathan H. Westover,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Set in early 2010s Taipei during the rise of social media, the series examines generational rifts, shifting identities and the emotional toll of public opinion in Taiwan’s rapidly evolving society.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
Some Asian ingredients include spicy xo sauce, Japanese snow crab and A5 Miyazaki Gyu, a top-grade Japanese wagyu beef.—
Samantha Husted,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2025
-
Both of our children were a week past their due dates...so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work - there was only one thing left to do!—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
The print is bold and easy to spot amongst other luggage, while the impressive craftsmanship will keep the bag itself looking brand new for many trips to come.—
Quincy Bulin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2025
-
Latu stood out in that capacity, as the 6-foot-7, 244-pound tight end showed impressive athleticism and route running for his size, and seemed very natural catching the ball.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
-
And to think, this pitiless conquistador came to North America as a humble kitchen herb, deliberately imported by European settlers for its piquant flavor.—
Zoë Lescaze,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Willem Dafoe as Rat in Fantastic Mr. Fox Willem Dafoe has delicious fun voicing Rat, the sinister security guard who menaces Fox and his cohorts.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
-
Mama practically lived in the kitchen, making delicious dishes to feed the friends and family who were always stopping by.—
Ivy Odom,
Southern Living,
11 June 2025
Adjective
-
Mount Dora study IDs likely source of pungent mystery smell Politics US sends 68 migrants back to Honduras and Colombia in first voluntary deportation The migrants disembarked with $1,000 debit cards from the U.S. government.—
South Florida Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
19 May 2025
-
Mount Dora study IDs likely source of pungent mystery smell Average rate on a US 30-year mortgage holds steady at 6.76%, not far from highest levels this year Politics Egg prices finally dropped, but the cost of beef hit a record high last month.—
Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Now in its ninth year, the London Concours has established itself as one of the collector-car scene’s most interesting and accessible automotive exhibitions, with one of the most fascinating venues.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
4 June 2025
-
On the latter account, Sandy Agustin has created some fascinating transitional interludes that blend volleyball movements with elements of religious ritual.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
And the Cauliflower Lemon Blend, Coxwell’s personal favorite, has a light and zesty flavor that’s a great alternative for a healthy, creamless white sauce for most recipes.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
6 June 2025
-
The core straight bourbon expression is light, zesty, and packed with flavor.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share