POIGNANT Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'poignant' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of poignant are affecting , impressive , moving , pathetic , and touching . While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities. // a poignant documentary on the homeless

Q: How do 'affecting' and 'moving' relate to one another, in the sense of 'poignant'?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos. // an affecting deathbed reunion

Q: When can 'impressive' be used instead of 'poignant'?

In some situations, the words impressive and poignant are roughly equivalent. However, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction. // an impressive list of achievements

Q: In what contexts can 'moving' take the place of 'poignant'?

Although the words moving and poignant have much in common, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy. // a moving appeal for contributions

Q: When might 'pathetic' be a better fit than 'poignant'?

The words pathetic and poignant can be used in similar contexts, but pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt. // pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Q: When is 'touching' a more appropriate choice than 'poignant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to poignant , touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion. // the touching innocence in a child's eyes

poignant

adjective

ˈpȯi-nyənt

Definition of poignant next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spicy

sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses a poignant truthfulness to the author's observations on marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poignant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of poignant are affecting, impressive, moving, pathetic, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

How do affecting and moving relate to one another, in the sense of poignant?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When can impressive be used instead of poignant?

In some situations, the words impressive and poignant are roughly equivalent. However, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

In what contexts can moving take the place of poignant?

Although the words moving and poignant have much in common, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When might pathetic be a better fit than poignant?

The words pathetic and poignant can be used in similar contexts, but pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When is touching a more appropriate choice than poignant?

While in some cases nearly identical to poignant, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 poignant The timing of it, especially with the score, is so poignant. —

Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025 Funny and poignant in equal measure, the comedy of manners does sag here and there, with a noticeable energy dip around the two-thirds mark. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025 To cap this loving, playful and inevitably poignant portrait, Castro and Siraqyan found the perfect final clip, an almost prophetic statement on the endurance of art through those who appreciate it. —

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 The timing is particularly poignant as Patrick and the Chiefs prepare for what could be a historic playoff run. —

Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for poignant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant

Adjective

White was noticeably emotional addressing the audience of cast, crew, network executives, and supporters inside the Paramount Theatre.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
Despite the physical and emotional toll their work extracts, the women who live at the parlor have fortified an impenetrable sisterhood.

— Michaela Zee, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025