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

The Office alum wore a deep purple gown with black beading from Giorgio Armani, a black purse, and pointed heels for the event. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025

The banner included a pointed warning to the Academy, urging it not to consider Emilia Pérez for Best Picture at the Oscars—a possibility that gained traction after its awards sweep. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

The actress and singer paired the look with pointed gold heels and layered bracelets, keeping her makeup look natural, and chose to wear her dark hair long down her back. —Lori A Bashian Fox News, Fox News, 28 Dec. 2024

The performance happened in Brooklyn, in a converted church with a high balcony and ever higher windows reaching toward the pointed roof. —Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 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