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 One poignant example of the administration’s power came when the Federal Communications Commission approved an $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, with Skydance vowing to end DEI considerations in hiring, promotions, development and compensation. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 For Nuyorican actress and longtime Spike Lee collaborator Rosie Perez, who also appears in the film, working with Palmieri was especially poignant. Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2025 The stage renaming is especially poignant for the Bronfman family, who will be part of an unveiling ceremony at the Toronto waterfront studio Wednesday. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2025 Fans fill streets in poignant send-off for Ozzy Osbourne Hundreds of fans and friends gathered in Birmingham, England, for a funeral procession to say farewell to Ozzy Osbourn as a hearse accompanied by a brass band carried the metal icon's casket through the streets of his hometown. USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
  • The former couple, who share son Sasha and daughter Kai, revealed that Sasha left home for college in emotional tributes shared on Instagram.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Humor and lightness not only sustain attraction but also reinforce emotional safety.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But now this metropolis of some 2 million people has more and more options for later in the day, ranging from an intimate dining counter where a local chef nerds out about indigenous ingredients to a sleek izakaya bar where the city’s scene-seeking gastronomes gather for spicy tuna hand rolls.
    Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Pepper jelly is the secret to perfectly caramelized pork chops packed with sweet and spicy flavor.
    Brennan Long, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While both teams boast impressive lineups, the tournament host site will also be one of the stars of the weekend.
    Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • These are impressive figures for an original horror film, especially one that cost its backers at Warner Bros. just $38 million to produce.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • His piquant style of writing in the unfinished tell-all feels like dropping into a gossip circle in the most glamorous (and cutting) powder room on the planet.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Within an hour of arriving, a familiar, piquant aroma wafted from the kitchen.
    Cleyvis Natera, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • This leads us back to the Tall as a Tree and Twice as Shady, a drink on the opening menu of Three Dots and a Dash that’s as good an example as any of McGee’s tiki sensibilities—unexpected and delicious, creative and precise.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2025
  • These copycat Auntie Anne’s style soft pretzels are fresh, buttery, and just as delicious—minus the mall lines.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The flower is expected to bloom over the coming week, and once in full bloom will emit its pungent odor for only 48 hours.
    The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
  • In addition to security concerns, Sun Fresh spent a significant amount of time and resources working to locate a pungent sewage smell many customers complained about.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The historical documents, photographs, and artifacts are fascinating.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • These new findings build upon the wealth of fascinating data being collected about 3I/ATLAS.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • New & Noteworthy Chex Mix is heating things up with two bold new varieties: Hot & Spicy, featuring a zesty seasoning blend with a fiery kick, and Spicy Dill, combining tangy, herbaceous notes with a spicy finish.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
  • This rendition of the fan-favorite votive has a zesty citrus aroma with a gourmand twist that evokes buttery pumpkin, vanilla, and cinnamon notes.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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