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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of poignant
However, at the center of this flattening walkway is that complex, poignant and always controllable private foundation.
—
Khurram Chohan, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
But there’s something extra important and poignant about this event, which was filmed on March 23.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 June 2025
Written and directed by documentarian Brian Tetsuro Ivie (Emanuel) in his narrative directorial debut, the film tells the story of an impulsive young woman and a reclusive older man who launch on a poignant cross‑country road trip.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 June 2025
The Joker-like shot of Warren sticking his head out of a car window on the way back to jail, his beard blasting against his face in the wind, is an unforgettably poignant snapshot of a man who’s free from everything but himself.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Khurram Chohan, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
But there’s something extra important and poignant about this event, which was filmed on March 23.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 June 2025
Written and directed by documentarian Brian Tetsuro Ivie (Emanuel) in his narrative directorial debut, the film tells the story of an impulsive young woman and a reclusive older man who launch on a poignant cross‑country road trip.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 June 2025
The Joker-like shot of Warren sticking his head out of a car window on the way back to jail, his beard blasting against his face in the wind, is an unforgettably poignant snapshot of a man who’s free from everything but himself.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
-
The turmoil surrounding the museum’s direction ultimately seemed to be less about major alterations to the space than about a shift in emotional tone, a movement away from celebration and toward something like penance.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
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Plus, the scripts try to yank on our heartstrings with some maudlin moments that don’t quite land, including a grim twist for one main character that feels tacked on just to add some emotional stakes.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool across seven days from the end of November looks particularly spicy.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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The health benefits of spicy food could not have been further from my mind.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Bailey flashed a sweet jumper and impressive athleticism but struggled with his shot selection and had more turnovers than assists.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
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Amazon’s stock has already delivered impressive gains, rising over 150% from $85 levels in early 2023 to around $210 now.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
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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
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In the French Quarter, The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton offer lush massages, facials, body scrubs, and mani/pedis, plus access to their swimming pool and hot tub for a delicious soak.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 June 2025
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Instead, start the day with a lavish breakfast buffet at La Sala, piled with delicious local specialties, fresh tropical fruits, and mouthwatering international favorites.—
Ashlee Marie Preston,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Flowers are violet in color and can be used as garnishes, while leaves can be chopped and served as pungent seasoning in the manner of scallions and garlic greens.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
9 May 2025
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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
Adjective
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Her appetite for life's most fascinating experiences is matched only by her desire to help fuel readers' own hungers and aspirations.—
Sarah Perez,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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The sense of smell is complex and fascinating — and in many ways still mysterious.—
Avery Hurt,
Discover Magazine,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Berry tarts and zesty lemon cookies amplify the lemonade’s freshness without overpowering it.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 June 2025
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There’s much talk about preparation, experimentation and the ways that Matsuhisa broke new ground, blending zesty Peruvian ingredients with otherwise rigid Japanese cuisine.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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