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

Examples 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 Made by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the commission also arrived at a poignant time for the house, following the passing of Lee McQueen the previous year, and marked the beginning of a lasting partnership between Kate and the brand. —

Emma Spedding, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025 There’s more time spent with the main characters’ Outies, including a particularly poignant arc for Dillon. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2025 Many of the shows that have premiered in the last several years have been excellent, poignant, and ambitious; none of them has had the lightning-bolt sensation of crackling, thrilling creative force that came with Severance’s first season. —

Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025 The show is at once hilarious and incredibly poignant, delving into the relationships between Jimmy and his friends, colleagues and family in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for poignant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant

Adjective

People feel abandoned or unprepared, amplifying the emotional toll.

— John Hope Bryant, TIME, 18 Jan. 2025
These intelligent and emotional animals have been a part of human culture for centuries—as companions, workers and performers.

— Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025