Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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 In her first, deeply personal film, Hargitay embarks on a poignant search for the real woman behind the platinum bombshell persona. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025 Seeing Johnson, 77, back onstage was particularly poignant considering he was forced to leave AC/DC's 2016 Rock or Bust World Tour because of severe hearing loss (it has since been rectified). Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 The resolution, too ingenious to detail here, concludes with the finest and most unexpectedly poignant visual pun in a series full of them. Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025 This post contains details about the Yellowjackets, Season 3 episode ‘How the Story Ends’ As Yellowjackets fans mourn the Showtime series’ latest shocking death, the loss is especially poignant for the woman behind the team. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
  • His father, who has also served significant time in prison, explained the emotional weight of watching his son endure a similar experience.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Controversy over wolf management can become more emotional and political than scientific.
    Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The admirable Kentucky Freedom Run Farm provides the fine, flavorful lamb for a slow braising and sided with a spicy tomato jam risotto, coriander, mint-and-pistachio gremolata and the reduction of the meat’s juices.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • His agenda for a perfect day in L.A. includes a boat party, an ice bath and the most glorious spicy shrimp in town.
    Michelle Woo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Cleetus McFarland, the popular automotive YouTuber whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, finished in an impressive P10 in the ARCA Menards Series at Talladega.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • What an impressive performance so far by the Clippers in this playoff series against the Nuggets.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But none of these things feels piquant in this production.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Grilling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy proteins and veggies, but there’s ways to make that grilling experience bigger and bolder, and add a lot of flavor.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Then amplify that based on a steady diet of some kind of pungent food.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Roasting transforms pungent, sharp and crunchy radishes into a mellow, nutty and slightly sweet juicy side dish.
    Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the years, the city has developed a thriving drinking and dining scene that encompasses spirits and cultures from all across the globe, and there’s no shortage of fascinating educational institutions to visit as well, with topics spanning from sports to fine arts to wildlife conservation.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The last time Inter visited Barcelona for a Champions League semi-final, back in April 2010, the night teemed with fascinating subplots.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Like a good martini, the novel blends the zesty gin of satire with vermouthy fruitiness and lemon twists of sharp observation.
    Rob Kyff, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
  • With the acidic marinara, zesty pesto, and little chunks of mozzarella, this hotdog hit all the markers of the tie-dye pie from Rubirosa.
    Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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