1
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a poignant story of a love affair that ends in tragedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a poignant truthfulness to the author's observations on marriage
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of poignant
And, in the name of the show’s emphasis on disagreement, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand wrote a less poignant one.
—
Alex Sherman, CNBC, 22 May 2025
The script musters scant interest in Niki’s career ambitions and romantic complications, and her halting conversations with her mother keep chasing a climactic point of mutual understanding that never arrives — a poignant impasse, perhaps, but a difficult one to structure a film around.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 May 2025
The show is especially poignant as several states have effectively banned abortions.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 20 May 2025
Still, Benny’s struggles are emotionally poignant, and once Carmen figures out his secret, the show is able to go to some interesting places.
—Nina Metz Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Alex Sherman, CNBC, 22 May 2025
The script musters scant interest in Niki’s career ambitions and romantic complications, and her halting conversations with her mother keep chasing a climactic point of mutual understanding that never arrives — a poignant impasse, perhaps, but a difficult one to structure a film around.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 May 2025
The show is especially poignant as several states have effectively banned abortions.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 20 May 2025
Still, Benny’s struggles are emotionally poignant, and once Carmen figures out his secret, the show is able to go to some interesting places.
—Nina Metz Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
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The former mayor was emotional when speaking about Kerik during his show on Thursday.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
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What To Know Dixon, who has lived in the U.S. for 50 years after arriving from the Philippines at age 14, was emotional following her release.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave.—
Laurie Ochoa,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive architecture and a foundation dating back to the 13th century.—
Carlsen Jes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
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There was nearly a fourth as well, though rookie Kristian Campbell was able to make an impressive backhanded grab in shallow right with his back to the infield in the bottom of the fourth.—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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And to think, this pitiless conquistador came to North America as a humble kitchen herb, deliberately imported by European settlers for its piquant flavor.—
Zoë Lescaze,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Guests enjoyed small bites of briny mussels filled with Bluefin tuna, piquant gochujang sardine toasts, and an elegant Korean beef tartare.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Fried rice is delicious on its own, but a block of extra-firm tofu can make this dish significantly more substantial and filling.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
30 May 2025
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My favorite way to use it up is by making zucchini butter—a luscious, versatile spread that is just as delicious on sandwiches as it is tossed with pasta.—
Kendra Vaculin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Mount Dora study IDs likely source of pungent mystery smell Politics US sends 68 migrants back to Honduras and Colombia in first voluntary deportation The migrants disembarked with $1,000 debit cards from the U.S. government.—
South Florida Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
19 May 2025
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Mount Dora study IDs likely source of pungent mystery smell Average rate on a US 30-year mortgage holds steady at 6.76%, not far from highest levels this year Politics Egg prices finally dropped, but the cost of beef hit a record high last month.—
Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Now in its ninth year, the London Concours has established itself as one of the collector-car scene’s most interesting and accessible automotive exhibitions, with one of the most fascinating venues.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
4 June 2025
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On the latter account, Sandy Agustin has created some fascinating transitional interludes that blend volleyball movements with elements of religious ritual.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Get The Recipe The Simple and Fresh Ingredients The medley of sweet corn and juicy tomatoes, plus mild Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro is tossed together with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, olive oil, and lime juice which bring a balance of richness and zesty flavor to the dish.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
25 May 2025
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There is zesty acidity, notable persistence and excellent overall harmony.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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