poignant

/ˈpɔɪnjənt/adjective

Producing a strong feeling of sadness or emotional pain.

Example sentences

“The old letters were a poignant reminder of her late husband.”
“It was poignant to see her father's handwriting on the old recipe cards.”

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.

Synonyms for poignant

moving
touching
heart-rending
affecting
bittersweet

Often confused with poignant

poignant vs pungent: pungent (adjective): Having a sharp, strong smell or taste that seems to sting the nose.

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

pliableEasy to bend, shape, or mold without breaking.placidQuiet and still; showing little motion or excitement.placateTo soothe an angry person until they calm down and stop being upset.piqueA brief feeling of irritation or resentment, especially when your pride has been hurt.piousDeeply religious and devoted to worship.precariousUnstable and risky; likely to fail or fall at any moment.