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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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 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 Diop’s death aged 42 in November 2020 following a long illness will only serve to add poignancy to the teams’ reunion. — Tom Williams, New York Times, 22 Apr. 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 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 See All Example Sentences for poignancy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignancy

Noun

In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness.

— Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

At a charge, guests may also book a cute Patina Osaka wagon, packed with chairs, cuddly blankets, bites, and drinks for a bucolic picnic in the park.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
The reception reportedly offered multiple bars and food stations, which featured bites such as sushi and Italian cuisine.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026

Definition of bite

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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of poignancy

noun

Example Sentences

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