poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən(t)-sē 
sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nən(t)-sē
plural poignancies
1
: the quality or state of being poignant
2
: an instance of poignancy
Examples of poignancy in a Sentence
there was a poignancy to his wit that often left his targets smarting
Recent Examples on the Web
The chronology-bending structure gives the show a bittersweet poignancy, with each moment tainted by its inverse.
—
Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
There, a wide playing space where our focus could float, softening in the play’s desert air and in the yearning tenderness of its characters, felt exactly right, and Cromer could conduct with more breath, subtle poignancy, and looseness of grip.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
Kidwell’s memorable preshow performance of songs by Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie adds to the poignancy of her character’s fate.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
This version is understated and plays perfectly into the poignancy behind the possibility that Teri might be among the living and not in the afterlife.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
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Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
There, a wide playing space where our focus could float, softening in the play’s desert air and in the yearning tenderness of its characters, felt exactly right, and Cromer could conduct with more breath, subtle poignancy, and looseness of grip.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
Kidwell’s memorable preshow performance of songs by Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie adds to the poignancy of her character’s fate.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
This version is understated and plays perfectly into the poignancy behind the possibility that Teri might be among the living and not in the afterlife.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poignancy
Cite this Entry
“Poignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poignancy. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
poignancy
noun
poi·gnan·cy
ˈpȯi-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being poignant
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