poignancy

noun

poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē How to pronounce poignancy (audio)
sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nən(t)-sē
plural poignancies
Synonyms of poignancynext
1
: the quality or state of being poignant
2
: an instance of poignancy

Synonyms of poignancy

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Examples of poignancy in a Sentence

there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
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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.
But because Kore-eda’s subpar script is short on emotional depth, the director leans on Bandoh to sell a poignancy the audience isn’t feeling. — Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 The enchanting woodsy and pastoral backgrounds when the action moves from the residential suburbs to the rural outskirts add to that poignancy, as do the dulcet tones of Randy Newman’s score. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 But the final one may be the most memorable, simply because of the poignancy of the moment. — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 The women were shown snoozing while the movie did its best to not disturb their slumber—revealing an additional, crucial poignancy. — Erik Adams, The Atlantic, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for poignancy

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of poignancy was in 1680

Browse Nearby Words

poignance
poignancy
poignant
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Cite this Entry

“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

poignancy

noun
poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən-sē How to pronounce poignancy (audio)
: the quality or state of being poignant

More from Merriam-Webster on poignancy

Nglish: Translation of poignancy for Spanish Speakers

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