POIGNANCY Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

poignancy

noun

ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē

Definition of poignancy

as in bitterness

a harsh or sharp quality there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 poignancy 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 If in previous seasons, Euphoria foregrounded erotic imagery to make a point about the confusing and often painful process of coming to terms with one’s sexuality, now that poignancy is gone. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 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 See All Example Sentences for poignancy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignancy

Noun

Little united the Syrian rebels during the country’s civil war from 2011 to 2024 outside of their hatred of Assad, and Damascus has sought to cultivate this memory of bitterness to keep the country’s disparate groups together.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026
The tea supplies tannins and bitterness while maple and orange recreate that familiar balance of sweet, bitter and citrus.

— Ryan Brennan August 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

It's usually transmitted through a bite from a bat, coyote, fox, raccoon or skunk.

— Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Eating it inspires an appreciation for the seamless integration of Mexican and Middle Eastern influences, melding to a state of emphatic brilliance in each bite.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of bite

Noun

L’Agence’s Lian jacket called my name immediately, delivering uptown elegance with a downtown edge when styled with jeans and a white tee.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
Stock up Defensive end R Mason Thomas The Chiefs are looking for more speed off the edge, and Thomas delivered.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

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.

— David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
The literature created by AI is dull and devoid of any real poignance.

— Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026

Definition of poignance

Browse Nearby Words

poignance

poignancy

poignant

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“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignancy. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of poignancy

noun

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