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 And, in the name of the show’s emphasis on disagreement, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand wrote a less poignant one. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 22 May 2025 The script musters scant interest in Niki’s career ambitions and romantic complications, and her halting conversations with her mother keep chasing a climactic point of mutual understanding that never arrives — a poignant impasse, perhaps, but a difficult one to structure a film around. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 May 2025 The show is especially poignant as several states have effectively banned abortions. Sam Reed, Glamour, 20 May 2025 Still, Benny’s struggles are emotionally poignant, and once Carmen figures out his secret, the show is able to go to some interesting places. Nina Metz Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
  • Gina Huynh Diddy’s former girlfriend Gina Huynh has made public allegations of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship, leading to speculation that she could be called upon to testify.
    Janeé Bolden, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
  • The award-winning filmmaker captures the emotional and cultural landscapes of 12 African nations, offering an immersive journey into the museum’s new African Art galleries.
    Keyaira Boone, Essence, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave.
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Reserve this prime space for content that demonstrates your expertise or highlights impressive client results.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Smartphone Deals The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a lightweight, compact, beautifully designed foldable smartphone featuring impressive hardware, AI capabilities, and a bright, large screen perfect for watching videos and multitasking.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • And to think, this pitiless conquistador came to North America as a humble kitchen herb, deliberately imported by European settlers for its piquant flavor.
    Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Guests enjoyed small bites of briny mussels filled with Bluefin tuna, piquant gochujang sardine toasts, and an elegant Korean beef tartare.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • My favorite way to use it up is by making zucchini butter—a luscious, versatile spread that is just as delicious on sandwiches as it is tossed with pasta.
    Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
  • Fried rice is delicious on its own, but a block of extra-firm tofu can make this dish significantly more substantial and filling.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mount Dora study IDs likely source of pungent mystery smell Average rate on a US 30-year mortgage holds steady at 6.76%, not far from highest levels this year Politics Egg prices finally dropped, but the cost of beef hit a record high last month.
    Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
  • How To Plant And Grow Onions Emitting Odors From pungent bulbs to delicate chives, onions possess properties that can help deter unwelcome visitors in the garden.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • There's a fascinating set of new patches Chinese officials released for a series of launches with top-secret satellites over the last two months, Ars reports.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
  • Seeing it through someone else’s eyes must be fascinating.
    Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Get The Recipe The Simple and Fresh Ingredients The medley of sweet corn and juicy tomatoes, plus mild Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro is tossed together with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, olive oil, and lime juice which bring a balance of richness and zesty flavor to the dish.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
  • There is zesty acidity, notable persistence and excellent overall harmony.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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