touching 1 of 3

1
2

touching

2 of 3

preposition

touching

3 of 3

verb

present participle of touch
1
2
3
4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word touching distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of touching are affecting, impressive, moving, pathetic, and poignant. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

How are the words affecting and moving related as synonyms of touching?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When could impressive be used to replace touching?

While the synonyms impressive and touching are close in meaning, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When might moving be a better fit than touching?

The words moving and touching can be used in similar contexts, but moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When can pathetic be used instead of touching?

The meanings of pathetic and touching largely overlap; however, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Where would poignant be a reasonable alternative to touching?

In some situations, the words poignant and touching are roughly equivalent. However, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

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 touching
Adjective
With the support of her friend Nikki (Jenny Slate), Molly tries to figure out what really turns her on in this touching (pun unintended) comedy. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2025 After the usual courtesy of touching foils, the bout ended in seconds without a single lunge, as Turner took a knee and removed her mask. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025 That very real issue that people deal with was just touching to me. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025 For the rest of the short teaser, Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) are shown walking around the grounds of the estate, touching bannisters and stone pillars with an air of finality. Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching
Adjective
  • At the same time, California’s energy policies may present opportunities in adjacent sectors—such as EV infrastructure, battery storage, or renewable fuels.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Authorities on Sunday were investigating after a single-engine plane crashed into a road and an adjacent field near Mattoon, Illinois, killing all four occupants.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His father, who has also served significant time in prison, explained the emotional weight of watching his son endure a similar experience.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Controversy over wolf management can become more emotional and political than scientific.
    Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Preposition
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Many social media users also suggest using a plastic spoon rather than a metal spoon when eating the product to avoid negatively affecting the live probiotics.
    Morgan Pearson, MS, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
  • This helps your healthcare provider check for infections, kidney problems, or other issues affecting your bladder and urinary tract.
    Sayaka Blickenderfer, PhD, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Cleetus McFarland, the popular automotive YouTuber whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, finished in an impressive P10 in the ARCA Menards Series at Talladega.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • What an impressive performance so far by the Clippers in this playoff series against the Nuggets.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Collins is the third TCU player to enter the portal joining Vasean Allette and Isaiah Manning.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Tesla plans to launch a ride-hail service in Austin around June, joining Amazon’s (AMZN) Zoox and Waymo — among others — in the city.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • On the opening night of this year's conference, Natal Con attendees bound for the introductory dinner were greeted by a small group of student protesters from the adjoining University of Texas at Austin.
    Lisa Hagen, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The final agreement comes nearly a year after it was first announced and a month shy of the three-year mark since a teenage gunman stormed into two adjoining classrooms, in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers while hundreds of law enforcement resources inexplicably waited outside.
    Matt Friedman, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The larger your business is, the more moving pieces there will be in your financial puzzle, and therefore the more complex your tax return will be.
    Bree Manay, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Brennen says one of the most moving moments was when the granddaughter spoke to the crowd.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on touching

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!