pointed

[poin-tid]

adjective

1. having a point or points.

   a pointed arch.

2. sharp or piercing.

   pointed wit.

   Synonyms: epigrammatic, penetrating
   Antonyms: dull, blunt

3. having direct effect, significance, or force.

   pointed criticism.

4. aimed; directed.

   a pointed gun.

5. directed particularly, as at a person.

   a pointed remark.

6. marked; emphasized.

   An unusual turn of phrase, a well-placed emphasis, a choice of adjective, a pointed omission—all can turn an otherwise innocent sentence into a verbal dagger.

7. Heraldry.,  (of a cross) having parallel sides with points formed by two inclined sides on each end.

   a cross pointed.

pointed

/ ˈpɔɪntɪd /

adjective

1. having a point

2. cutting or incisive

   a pointed wit

3. obviously directed at or intended for a particular person or aspect

   pointed criticism

4. emphasized or made conspicuous

   pointed ignorance

5. (of an arch or style of architecture employing such an arch) Gothic

6. music (of a psalm text) marked to show changes in chanting

7. (of Hebrew text) with vowel points marked

Other Word Forms

• pointedly adverb
• pointedness noun
• multipointed adjective
• self-pointed adjective
• unpointed adjective
• well-pointed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pointed¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; point, -ed ², -ed ³

Example Sentences

She pointed to actions like boycotting Disney+ after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel as an example of protest through participation.

From Salon

He later went to San José State, where he was pointed to radio and television journalism.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a pointed response to conservative outrage, including Fox News commentators questioning whether a Puerto Rican should headline “America’s game” and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reportedly threatening ICE enforcement at the event.

From Salon

As for legal justification, the president’s lawyers pointed to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.

From Los Angeles Times

Several pointed out that, as awareness around HIV spreads and stigma diminishes, more people have been coming forward and getting tested.

From BBC

Related Words

• barbed 
• incisive 
• pertinent 
• sarcastic 
• sharp 
• telling 
• trenchant