pointed

1 of 2

adjective (1)

point·​ed ˈpȯin-təd 

1

a

: having a point

b

: being an arch with a pointed crown

also : marked by the use of a pointed arch

pointed architecture

2

a

: being to the point : pertinent

b

: aimed at a particular person or group

3

: conspicuous, marked

pointed indifference

4

: having points that contrast in color with the basic coat color

a pointed cat

pointedly adverb

pointedness noun

pointed

2 of 2

adjective (2)

obsolete

: set, fixed

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• peaked
• pointy
• sharp
• spired
• tipped

Examples of pointed in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

the sansevieria's long pointed leaves make it an easily recognized houseplant

he made a number of pointed remarks on the crisis abroad

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But its maker insists the movie’s politically pointed portrait of our species’ self-destruction is, ultimately, hopeful. —Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2024

Ronald Rowe took pointed questions from both sides of the aisle about how the agency could have allowed a teen gunman to open fire on Trump, lightly wounding him and killing one of his supporters at a July campaign rally in Butler, Pa. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Dec. 2024

This is not the first time Brady seemed to have sent pointed messages to his ex through Instagram. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

In Murnau’s Nosferatu, however, Schreck appears as a walking nightmare —a terrifying, skeletal creature with two sharp, pointed teeth, bat-like ears and claws for hands. —Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (2)

short for appointed

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective (2)

1523, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pointed

adjective

point·​ed

ˈpȯint-əd

1

: having a point

2

a

: being to the point : pertinent

b

: aimed at a particular person or group

pointed remarks

pointedly adverb

pointedness noun