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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
While many will no doubt see this movie strictly because of the popularity of superheroes and the comic legacy of these particular ones, First Steps also poses some poignant ethical questions that are equally wholesome and unexpected.
—
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
Ghost prompted Swayze to share some life lessons that seem all the more poignant since his passing.
—Drew MacKie, People.com, 13 July 2025
In a way, that made the tour’s overall message even more poignant — while also exposing some of its shortcomings.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 7 July 2025
Like Wim Wenders’ poignant study of a middle-aged janitor’s routines in Tokyo, The Scout could find success in arthouse theaters and on the festival circuit.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
Ghost prompted Swayze to share some life lessons that seem all the more poignant since his passing.
—Drew MacKie, People.com, 13 July 2025
In a way, that made the tour’s overall message even more poignant — while also exposing some of its shortcomings.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 7 July 2025
Like Wim Wenders’ poignant study of a middle-aged janitor’s routines in Tokyo, The Scout could find success in arthouse theaters and on the festival circuit.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
-
They are then adopted out to be a pet or are placed in police, fire and EMS stations to provide emotional support.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
The vote dashed the hopes of those with the 156-year-old Art Academy, who gave emotional pleas in recent weeks to city leaders for help.—
Scott Wartman,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Popeyes Offers for Popeyes reward members include a free six-piece purchase with any $5 purchase and free six-piece spicy bone-in wings with the purchase of any wing order.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
29 July 2025
-
That's right — after a full season of Hot Topics, spicy cohost clashes, high-profile political guests, and even courting pointed responses from the White House, The View talk show stars have gone off the air for the year.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
This image represents one of the first times that astronomers have obtained images of thousands of star-forming regions at this impressive level of detail.—
Rebecca McClain,
Space.com,
31 July 2025
-
Cloves, which are commonly used in cooking and baking, pack an impressive amount of inflammation-fighting compounds.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
From plates of Jamon Iberico and piquant tomato salads to fresh sea bass and succulent steaks, the vibe here harnesses a hyper-local sensibility that roots you in the destination.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
And the vistas of sea and cityscape are as delicious as the food.—
Jeryl Brunner,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
Poaching an egg is one of the healthiest ways to cook an egg, not to mention one of the most delicious.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
The tapenade, a pungent combination of olives, garlic, capers and anchovy, can be prepared by hand or in a food processor and can serve as a base to a bright salad of tomatoes and peppers.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
Denver Post,
22 July 2025
-
The outdoor space includes a full commercial-style kitchen, perfect for pungent cooking.—
Tiffani Sherman,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
One approach to improvement is set out in a fascinating new book by Martin Dubin, a clinical psychologist who has worked as a coach to executives and also led a business.—
Roger Trapp,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Coyotes are fascinating creatures that once weren’t found east of the Mississippi River.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The palate dances with vibrant strawberry-raspberry notes and gets a zesty finish from citrus notes.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Add a few leaves of lettuce, the patties and then the spicy sauce and zesty green onions.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share