poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē 
sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nən(t)-sē
plural poignancies
1
: the quality or state of being poignant
2
: an instance of poignancy
Examples of poignancy in a Sentence
there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
Recent Examples on the Web
Scarlet’s final encounter with Claudius radiates with the complicated poignancy expected of real, difficult catharsis.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Her wacky asides, undergirded by a subtle poignancy, both gave Guffman a zany edge and helped transform the mockumentary genre itself.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
There's a poignancy to Simon's struggle that feels relatable to anybody stuck in their career or passion pursuits.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
The poignancy of their shock still resonates.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
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Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Her wacky asides, undergirded by a subtle poignancy, both gave Guffman a zany edge and helped transform the mockumentary genre itself.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
There's a poignancy to Simon's struggle that feels relatable to anybody stuck in their career or passion pursuits.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
The poignancy of their shock still resonates.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being poignant
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