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 Late actor Michael Madsen is really put through the wringer in the poignant trailer for Mr. Wonderful, one of his final on-screen roles. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 11 July 2025 Quite often, Superman Returns is a poignant homage and a melancholy reminder that the era that birthed the original Superman movies is long gone. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025 The documentary features a poignant quote by former first lady Rosalynn Carter on caregiving. Korin Miller, Flow Space, 9 July 2025 Willie chimed in for the chorus, a poignant father-son duet that was exactly what the song needed. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
  • Faces and words may fade, but their emotional residue frequently lingers.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
  • The show's second season saw some of Ford's most emotional work, as the therapist is forced to face his mortality due to his worsening condition.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • But after its three-year hiatus, the food chain is re-releasing the sandwich, now with three versions to choose from—original, spicy and grilled.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Ginger Beer: As ever, the spicier the ginger beer, the better.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The impressive performance would have placed him around 100th in the Tour de France rankings for the same stage, but granted, the pro riders also have been riding anywhere between 15 to 18 stages before taking on the same course.
    Rory Fleming, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
  • Fayetteville, Arkansas, home to Walmart's headquarters and a booming tech scene, boasts an impressive average income of $89,095 and home listings at $613,040.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 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
  • Playing Francis Cobb was a great delicious blessing top to bottom.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • Heavy and unadorned, this simple slab of metal makes delicious pizza pies that are crispy and crusty in all the right places.
    Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Now the sounds were exponentially louder, and a pungent odor of something burning entered the room.
    Alireza Iranmehr, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
  • Rescuers even tried pumping a pungent banana oil down into the cave, hoping to find another viable entrance above ground.
    Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The contrast between ancient history and modern life was fascinating.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Sam Amick wrote a fascinating notebook about the scene in Los Angeles, where both the Lakers and Clippers have prioritized flexibility this offseason with the future in mind.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Ham Yard Fruit Tea (berries and hibiscus) offers a light, zesty contrast to traditional sweets.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Sonic's menu says the former has a zesty Baja cheese sauce, while the latter includes melty Cheddar and honey chipotle aioli.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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