poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē 
sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nən(t)-sē
plural poignancies
1
: the quality or state of being poignant
2
: an instance of poignancy
Synonyms
Examples of poignancy in a Sentence
there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
Recent Examples on the Web
Cruelty and short-sightedness can run both ways along that spectrum, and part of the poignancy of Counting and Cracking lies in its generosity and emotional maturity.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2024
In Browning’s telling, the messenger’s valiant run and dying words take on a poignancy that inspired readers, among them the inventors of the modern Olympic Games.
—Miriam Kamil, JSTOR Daily, 20 Nov. 2024
That number had a particular poignancy here — 59 was the number of Arsenal first-team goals scored by Kevin Campbell, whose life and memory were celebrated in a touching pre-game tribute.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 17 Aug. 2024
Here, an excess of material diminishes the film’s humor and poignancy, though many of the story’s characters are colorful enough, when they aren’t written too artificially.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for poignancy 
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Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2024
In Browning’s telling, the messenger’s valiant run and dying words take on a poignancy that inspired readers, among them the inventors of the modern Olympic Games.
—Miriam Kamil, JSTOR Daily, 20 Nov. 2024
That number had a particular poignancy here — 59 was the number of Arsenal first-team goals scored by Kevin Campbell, whose life and memory were celebrated in a touching pre-game tribute.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 17 Aug. 2024
Here, an excess of material diminishes the film’s humor and poignancy, though many of the story’s characters are colorful enough, when they aren’t written too artificially.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for poignancy
Dictionary Entries Near poignancy
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being poignant
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