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
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Recent Examples of poignant
Glee is aggressively rewatchable — a series that is somehow poignant, brilliantly campy, and hilarious while also being so dated that it should never be made again.
—
Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 15 Sep. 2025
Robinson had braces in the yearbook photo, a childlike image that made the moment all the more poignant.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
What would Season One have been like without those poignant glimpses of the Pacific surf?
—Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Famous Nobodys ProStandard The induction weekend was filled with poignant moments, including Dwyane Wade's emotional tribute, son Kiyan Anthony presenting the Hall of Fame jacket and ring, and Melo reflecting on a lifelong journey that merits this legacy moment.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 15 Sep. 2025
Robinson had braces in the yearbook photo, a childlike image that made the moment all the more poignant.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
What would Season One have been like without those poignant glimpses of the Pacific surf?
—Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Famous Nobodys ProStandard The induction weekend was filled with poignant moments, including Dwyane Wade's emotional tribute, son Kiyan Anthony presenting the Hall of Fame jacket and ring, and Melo reflecting on a lifelong journey that merits this legacy moment.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
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Often, the end of a close bond is a quiet, gradual process marked by subtle clues and a sense of growing emotional distance.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
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An emotional support alligator who has spent the past few years going to church, restaurants, and grocery stores can no longer go to Walmart after a customer complained.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Earlier this year, Wingstop added crispy chicken tenders to the menu alongside a dozen flavors such as Hawaiian, Cajun, Louisiana rub, spicy Korean Q, atomic, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, and mango habanero.—
George A. Paul,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Its 3 most popular items served are its signature dish, the avocado smash, its warm chicken & ancients grain bowl, and its Bluestone burrito with spicy potato wedges.—
Gary Stern,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The team's away record is also impressive, with two wins and one draw, showcasing its ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Also, while the 16 Plus' battery life isn’t class-leading, its 167-nit brightness at our 50% testing setting is impressive, particularly compared with the Asus and Samsung.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The tequila daisy cocktail, served in a clay cantarito cup smudged with sumac salt, is piquant with ancho verde, mellowed with summer strawberry.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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His piquant style of writing in the unfinished tell-all feels like dropping into a gossip circle in the most glamorous (and cutting) powder room on the planet.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This will exceed your expectations because something so humble really isn't meant to be this delicious.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
20 Sep. 2025
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The bright vegetal bite of a good blanco is delicious and helps match the robust character of the maraschino liqueur.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Try to avoid easily perishable foods and anything overly pungent (like tuna or overripe bananas).—
Jessie Beck,
AFAR Media,
16 Sep. 2025
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Once these yellow, red, orange, or cream blooms appear, squirrels will leave them alone due to their strong, pungent odor.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The choice Task makes to soften Ruffalo’s natural affability and presence in favor of Pelphrey’s Robbie—who transmits anger and despair with palpable, desperate energy—is a fascinating one, requiring humility from one actor and intense commitment from the other.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
17 Sep. 2025
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Chorizo, a zesty pork sausage used in Mexican and Spanish cuisines, serves this goal admirably.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
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Or tender, juicy mojo pork marinated with savory cumin and cilantro, and brightened with zesty lime and orange juices.—
Martie Bowser,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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