affecting 1 of 3

affecting

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of affect

affecting

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of affect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affecting distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of affecting are impressive, moving, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When might impressive be a better fit than affecting?

The synonyms impressive and affecting are sometimes interchangeable, but impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When is it sensible to use moving instead of affecting?

Although the words moving and affecting have much in common, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When could pathetic be used to replace affecting?

While the synonyms pathetic and affecting are close in meaning, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When is poignant a more appropriate choice than affecting?

The meanings of poignant and affecting largely overlap; however, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

When would touching be a good substitute for affecting?

In some situations, the words touching and affecting are roughly equivalent. However, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of affecting
Adjective
His Tom goes through his routines with slight weariness but also diligence, at times flashing an innocent surprise in his eyes — all of this more affecting than pure burn-out. Nicolas Rapold, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025 De Fontenay’s affecting but frustrating film has its reasons for that distance. Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
The Latin America portfolio is the largest at NED, and the freeze has halted all programming, affecting journalists, civic activists, and human rights defenders. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025 Dandruff causes an itchy scalp and is sometimes considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition mainly affecting the scalp. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affecting
Adjective
  • Set in early 2010s Taipei during the rise of social media, the series examines generational rifts, shifting identities and the emotional toll of public opinion in Taiwan’s rapidly evolving society.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin — each of whom the Doggfather personally shouted out during his speech — also took home the same honor, making for emotional moments throughout the four-hour ceremony.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Chef Domingo was busy preparing dinner at the impressive camp kitchen, which faced a table laden with wines from nearby Paso Robles.
    David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025
  • Boasting a near-perfect audience score, Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s live-action How to Train Your Dragon flew to an impressive $11.1 million in previews.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Related Articles The Pathlight suit, which shines a light on how the retail buyout came together last year, is one more moving part and potential expense.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
  • The most moving moments of the program came from VOC Advisory Board member Zarah Meyer, who shared a heartfelt personal testimony alongside her 4-year-old daughter Rosie.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Gone but never forgotten: How to Train Your Dragon ends with a touching tribute to Gerard Butler's late mom.
    EW.com, EW.com, 13 June 2025
  • The pinnacle of this is the new Rainbow Road, which is a transcendent experience for those touching wheels to the technicolor thoroughfare.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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