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

• pointedness noun
• pointedly adverb
• 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

But back to Murphy, who pointed out the Dodgers players are the ones that appear on your screen not only in games, but in commercials.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries left its oil-demand forecasts steady as it works to revive more production, but pointed to fiscal concerns and persistent trade uncertainties.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But, as some journalists pointed out, the very fact that the second press conference was organised and that the minister took questions on gender issues can be seen as progress.

Read more on BBC

Politicians in Washington have pointed fingers in the direction of the opposing party.

Read more on BBC

Clarke called the performance "a head-scratcher" and pointed out that he's not often disappointed - the word of the night - by his team, but that he was this time.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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