pointed

1 of 2

adjective (1)

point·​ed ˈpȯin-təd How to pronounce pointed (audio)
1
a
: having a point
b
: being an arch with a pointed crown
also : marked by the use of a pointed arch
pointed architecture
2
a
: being to the point : pertinent
b
: aimed at a particular person or group
3
: conspicuous, marked
pointed indifference
4
: having points that contrast in color with the basic coat color
a pointed cat
pointedly adverb
pointedness noun

pointed

2 of 2

adjective (2)

obsolete
: set, fixed

Examples of pointed in a Sentence

Adjective (1) the sansevieria's long pointed leaves make it an easily recognized houseplant he made a number of pointed remarks on the crisis abroad
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
His pointed question drew some cheers and applause from elsewhere in the chamber. Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 President Donald Trump delivered a Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday that combined solemn tributes with pointed political remarks and self-congratulatory rhetoric, in a speech that diverged from the traditional tone of presidential remembrance. Solcyré Burga, Time, 26 May 2025 Their first interview took place in 1975, and in a vintage clip from it that's shown in the episode, Frost asks John a pointed question about his body of work, which was largely composed by John and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 24 May 2025 The judges’ most pointed questions are not coming off as epic undercuts to the Kardashian empire but, instead, as meagre and outdated. M. J. Corey, New Yorker, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pointed

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (2)

short for appointed

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective (2)

1523, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pointed was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pointed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointed. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

pointed

adjective
point·​ed
ˈpȯint-əd
1
: having a point
2
a
: being to the point : pertinent
b
: aimed at a particular person or group
pointed remarks
pointedly adverb
pointedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on pointed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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