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

• acerbity
• acidity
• acidness
• acridity
• acridness
• acrimoniousness
• acrimony
• acuteness
• asperity
• bite
• bitterness
• edge
• harshness
• keenness
• poignance
• pungency
• roughness
• sharpness
• tartness

Examples of poignancy in a Sentence

there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s not to say there isn’t poignancy in the paradox of a global superstar, adored by millions but saddened by the emptiness inside him, as John puts it. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Sep. 2024

That the scene apparently evokes the filmmaker’s own family story only adds poignancy, pointing towards a richer expression of these themes. —Ben Croll, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2024

Though the poignancy of these ambiguities suffuses the action throughout, Rozier conjures moments that depict them with piercing precision. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2024

The Spectacle Cry isn’t about the tragedy of a scene, or its poignancy, or any specific emotional appeal at all. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

poignancy

noun

poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən-sē 

: the quality or state of being poignant