as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
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Recent Examples of poignancy
There’s a grandfather quality to Kani’s Sam, but the increase in years has only deepened the play’s poignancy.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
The timing of the words added poignancy to the messages.
—
John Odenthal,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
But the scene’s real poignancy will come from their sudden realization of how completely wrong their assumptions have been about the public’s attitude towards their products.
—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Preston is a fun, engaging storyteller whose work balances humor and poignancy.
—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
The timing of the words added poignancy to the messages.
—
John Odenthal,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
But the scene’s real poignancy will come from their sudden realization of how completely wrong their assumptions have been about the public’s attitude towards their products.
—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Preston is a fun, engaging storyteller whose work balances humor and poignancy.
—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignancy
Noun
-
In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness.
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Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter.
Noun
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The state averages about eight unprovoked bites each year, according to the FWC, which runs a statewide program to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.
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Keeping bug spray handy can help protect against annoying bites, while placing citronella candles around your yard or patio can keep pests at bay, especially once the sun sets.
Noun
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The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
-
Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
Noun
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Tharmarajah provides a great balance of comic relief and utter poignance, explaining his survival techniques as an orphan, carving out a pragmatic path in life leading to a particular kind of soaring.
-
The literature created by AI is dull and devoid of any real poignance.
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignancy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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