Thesaurus

poignant

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of poignant

1 having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies

a poignant story of a love affair that ends in tragedy

Synonyms for poignant

Words Related to poignant

cathartic

Near Antonyms for poignant

deadpan

Antonyms for poignant

2 sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses

a poignant truthfulness to the author's observations on marriage

Synonyms for poignant

Words Related to poignant

racy,
spicy

acute,
keen

Near Antonyms for poignant

Antonyms for poignant

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Frequently Asked Questions About poignant

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