Synonyms for poignant

Grammar : Adj

Spell : poin-yuhnt, poi-nuhnt

Phonetic Transcription : ˈpɔɪn yənt, ˈpɔɪ nənt

Top 10 synonyms for poignant

Other synonyms for the word poignant

Définition of poignant

Origin : late 14c., "painful to physical or mental feeling" (of sauce, spice, wine as well as things that affect the feelings), from Old French poignant "sharp, pointed" (13c.), present participle of poindre "to prick, sting," from Latin pungere "to prick" (see pungent). Related: Poignantly.
The word disguises a linguistics trick-play, a double reverse. Latin pungere is from the same root as Latin pugnus "fist," and represents a metathesis of -n- and -g- that later was reversed in French.

adj affecting, painful
adj sharp, bitter

Example sentences :

She could not at first guess any possible cause for an emotion so poignant.
Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana

Those were days of fond reminiscence and poignant regret on my part.
Extract from : « Southern Lights and Shadows » by Various

All at once the poignant and disgusting attack of the insects ceased.
Extract from : « The Cruise of the Dry Dock » by T. S. Stribling

Thy heart is ingenuous and sincere; thy misfortune is poignant and affecting.
Extract from : « Imogen » by William Godwin

Had I done so, how poignant would be my remorse at the retribution of our own sufferings, and the pity of those I had so injured!
Extract from : « The Secret Memoirs of Louis XV./XVI, Complete » by Madame du Hausset, an "Unknown English Girl" and the Princess Lamballe

All the good he heard said of his victim ended by causing him poignant anxiety.
Extract from : « Therese Raquin » by Emile Zola

But grief is almost too poignant a word for what is so stingless as this.
Extract from : « Lotus Buds » by Amy Carmichael

None the less was Sim's distress as poignant as if the grounds for it had been more real.
Extract from : « The Shadow of a Crime » by Hall Caine

To Pitt, this separation was the poignant climax of all his sufferings.
Extract from : « Captain Blood » by Rafael Sabatini

There was something about this courier's mien and person that awoke a poignant memory.
Extract from : « The Strolling Saint » by Raphael Sabatini

Antonyms for poignant

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019