as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there's a mean-spirited poignance to the novel's satiric portrait of Hollywood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 poignance
In this book, however, her collages produce not surprise or poignance but a sense of cutting and pasting, of breathless summary.
—
Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023
That means none of the bubble-burst poignance that Bartlett and Natasha Rothwell brought as the servant-victims of getaway decadence.
—Darren Franich, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2022
Transcending expectations is its own expectation, and Midnights makes clear, with modest poignance, that Swift has burned out on her own hype.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2022
In the song’s intro, processional drums and a trembling guitar line promised a power ballad with all the poignance of a Steven Spielberg movie.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for poignance
Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023
That means none of the bubble-burst poignance that Bartlett and Natasha Rothwell brought as the servant-victims of getaway decadence.
—Darren Franich, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2022
Transcending expectations is its own expectation, and Midnights makes clear, with modest poignance, that Swift has burned out on her own hype.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2022
In the song’s intro, processional drums and a trembling guitar line promised a power ballad with all the poignance of a Steven Spielberg movie.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for poignance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignance
Noun
-
In his college days, Quintero would frequent La Jolla Village and The Shores, usually to grab a bite to eat or visit Warwick’s bookstore.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
-
The secret to this fantastic recipe is pockets of bursting, gooey cheese in every bite.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Billy Joel's documentary digs deep into past with poignancy – but he's 'not finished yet' Culture Club film delves into history filled with drama, Boy George, love and drugs ‘Walk of Fame’ The most compelling track on an album full of soaring choruses now has an equally absorbing video.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
-
What lends a special poignancy to the story are the chapters narrated by Paige, reflecting deep regret for her life’s mistakes.—
Sarah Lyall,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
There, leaning against the edge of his desk, dressed in his trademark grey suit, is the first-ever Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Pearl Cove Beach Club Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignance. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share