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 Variety‘s Nick Vivarelli writes about the poignant moment that the festival represents for Israeli director Tom Shoval. William Earl, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025 Viewers become enveloped in their evolving love affair that experiences some heartbreaking twists and turns yet remains a poignant affirmation of life and love. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2025 Luckily, Eric Timothy Carlson suggested getting in touch with John Wilson from ‘How To with John Wilson,’ simply the most poignant and hilarious program in all of television. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025 At that second, a song about anime boobs had never sounded sweeter and more poignant. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poignant
Adjective
  • It wasn’t scripted that Robby gets emotional and breaks down at [that] particular point in the speech….
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For Liv in particular, their idea of what that final ride on the plane was going to be was an emotional one.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The finish is long and flavorful, with a lingering spicy aftertaste of cinnamon and clove notes.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The spicy salsa and tangy cucumber salad brought out the best of the tender birria.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Economic growth − uneven and fragile In raw numbers, Cambodia’s economic progress over the past two decades has been impressive.
    Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But this was far and away Yapi’s most impressive all-around performance over the span of his 66 minutes.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sauce is a piquant blend of tomato and vinegar that complements the pork shoulder.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch, fabulous raffle and listen to New York TImes bestselling author Sarah Penner discuss her new book The Amalfi Curse.Visit www.libraryguildrsf.org or call 858-756-4780 to register.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Roasting transforms pungent, sharp and crunchy radishes into a mellow, nutty and slightly sweet juicy side dish.
    Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Then amplify that based on a steady diet of some kind of pungent food.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This rule set up a fascinating opportunity to directly compare the health outcomes of two groups of individuals over time.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Their work raises fascinating questions: is there something inherent within imperial systems that leads to overreach?
    Steven Desmyter, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Like a good martini, the novel blends the zesty gin of satire with vermouthy fruitiness and lemon twists of sharp observation.
    Rob Kyff, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
  • With the acidic marinara, zesty pesto, and little chunks of mozzarella, this hotdog hit all the markers of the tie-dye pie from Rubirosa.
    Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poignant. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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