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Synonyms

pointed

American  
[poin-tid] / ˈpɔɪn tɪd /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of pointed

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I pointed out to Claude that these military decisions are usually made with loyalty to America as the highest priority.

From Los Angeles Times

He pointed out that South Florida currently has twice as many “durable equipment” suppliers as McDonald’s franchises.

From The Wall Street Journal

Greeley followed instructions; hearing nothing until he pointed to the tenth number on his list.

From Literature

As Baker pointed out, this “could weigh on profitability metrics.”

From MarketWatch

Kalivas pointed out that this fund’s methodology means that it only holds Apple among the Magnificent Seven, “with no hyperscaler exposure.”

From MarketWatch