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

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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 Lewie Coyle is now ready to make his Premier League debut after working his way up English football’s ladder, but there is a poignancy to the story after father Chris, a market trader in their home city, died in 2022. — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for poignancy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignancy

Noun

Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butter flavor.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Arugula’s natural bitterness kicks off digestion before the first bite, cueing saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes that help the body prepare to break down a meal.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

The alternate versions certainly add extra bite, and a few outtakes could have made it to the main tracklist.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Pieces of fish are hand sliced to the ideal thickness and length, and beautifully adorned with garnishes that dazzle the eye and strategically heighten every bite.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of bite

Noun

Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The eastern edge of the park is the north-south alley that serves businesses along Laramie.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of edge

Noun

As Mikey, Fred Hechinger gives off young Tobey Maguire vibes, and the movie uses that aura with compelling poignance.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of poignance

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poignance

poignancy

poignant

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Style

“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignancy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of poignancy

noun

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