poignant

/ˈpɔɪnjənt/adjective

Producing a strong feeling of sadness or emotional pain.

Example sentence

“The old letters were a poignant reminder of her late husband.”

The g is silent: 'POYN-yant'. Reserved for bittersweet emotional moments, not physical pain: a poignant reminder, a poignant farewell.

Featured as word of the day on May 21, 2026.

Related words

poiseA condition of steady balance or stability.plummetA lead weight tied to a line, used to measure water depth or to check that something is vertical.polishedTo rub, clean, or grind a surface until it becomes smooth and shiny.plumbingThe network of pipes, taps, tanks, and related fittings that carry water, gas, or waste through a building.pollenThe fine, powder-like grains that flowers produce.plightA serious, difficult, or unlucky situation someone finds themselves in.