touchy

adjective

ˈtə-chē How to pronounce touchy (audio)
touchier; touchiest
Synonyms of touchynext
1
: marked by readiness to take offense on slight provocation
he's a little touchy about his past
2
: calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment
a touchy subject
3
a
of a body part : acutely sensitive or irritable
b
of a chemical : highly explosive or inflammable
touchily
ˈtə-chə-lē How to pronounce touchy (audio)
adverb
touchiness
ˈtə-chē-nəs How to pronounce touchy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of touchy

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Examples of touchy in a Sentence

Don't be so touchy. I was just kidding. watch what you say around him, as he's very touchy about every little thing
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.
People are touchy during the Full Moon. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 31 May 2026 Money is still somewhat of a touchy subject for Jason Bateman. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026 Manliness is a touchy subject these days, but there was a time when honorable combat was respected above the mere running of one’s mouth. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 Either way, our somewhat unpredictable spring weather this year has made things a bit more touchy than usual, so please call ahead to verify availability before heading anywhere. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for touchy

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of touchy was in 1602

Phrases Containing touchy

Rhymes for touchy

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Browse Nearby Words

touchwood
touchy
touchy-feely
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Cite this Entry

“Touchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touchy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

touchy

adjective
ˈtəch-ē How to pronounce touchy (audio)
touchier; touchiest
1
: easily hurt or insulted
2
: calling for tact or careful handling
a touchy subject

More from Merriam-Webster on touchy

Nglish: Translation of touchy for Spanish Speakers

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