Search Dictionary
Definition of poignance

poignance

/ˈpɔɪ.njəns/
poi · gnance
Adverb:poignantly
•
Plural:poignances
•
Adjective:poignant
JUMP TO:

poignance Lexical Profile

poignance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness, regret, or deep emotional resonance.

Example

"The quiet poignance of the final scene left the entire theater in contemplative silence."

2

Sharpness or pungency of taste, smell, or wit.

Example

"Critics admired the intellectual poignance of her satirical essays."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for poignance
Antonyms
View all antonyms for poignance

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'poignance' is a valid noun form, 'poignancy' is significantly more common in modern standard English.

• Nearby Words

pogo
pogrom
poi
poignance
poignancy
poignant
poignantly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French poignance, derived from the present participle of poindre ('to prick or sting'), which traces back to the Latin verb pungere ('to pierce').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Poignance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/poignance
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.