Dictionary entries for 'poignant'

Synonyms

poign·ant (poińyənt)

[Middle English poinaunt, from Old French poignant present participle of poindre, to prick, from Latin pungere.]

adjective

1. Profoundly moving; touching: a poignant memory. See synonyms at moving
2. Physically painful: “Keen, poignant agonies seemed to shoot from his neck downward” (Ambrose Bierce)
3. Keenly distressing to the mind or feelings: poignant anxiety.
Piercing; incisive: poignant criticism.
1. Neat, skillful, and to the point: poignant illustrations supplementing the text.
2. Astute and pertinent; relevant: poignant suggestions.
Agreeably intense or stimulating: poignant delight.
Archaic
1. Sharp or sour to the taste; piquant.
2. Sharp or pungent to the smell.