poignancy

noun

poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē How to pronounce poignancy (audio)
 sometimes  ˈpȯi(g)-nən(t)-sē
plural poignancies
1
: the quality or state of being poignant
2
: an instance of poignancy

Examples of poignancy in a Sentence

there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This year’s grand prix is likely to carry an extra degree of poignancy, given it is anticipated to be the last at the track in the current era. Luke Smith, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Like the series as a whole, the finale walked the line between lunacy and poignancy, ultimately leaving its dysfunctional evangelists in a place of peace and resolution without sacrificing the outrageous laughs for which the series has become known. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 May 2025 The poignancy of the story feels incredibly strong. Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 May 2025 His delicate framing and work with character are on perfect display here in a film that doesn’t subvert the emotion of the source material so much as repurpose it with more anger and poignancy. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignancy

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of poignancy was in 1680

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

poignancy

noun
poi·​gnan·​cy ˈpȯi-nyən-sē How to pronounce poignancy (audio)
: the quality or state of being poignant

More from Merriam-Webster on poignancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!