touching

1 of 2

adjective

touch·​ing ˈtə-chiŋ 

: capable of arousing emotions of tenderness or compassion

touchingly adverb

touching

2 of 2

preposition

: in reference to : concerning

Synonyms

Adjective

• abutting
• adjacent
• adjoining
• bordering
• conterminous
• contiguous
• flanking
• flush
• fringing
• joining
• juxtaposed
• neighboring
• skirting
• verging

Preposition

• about
• apropos
• apropos of
• as far as
• as for
• as regards
• as respects
• as to
• concerning
• of
• on
• regarding
• respecting
• toward
• towards

Choose the Right Synonym for touching

moving, impressive, poignant, affecting, touching, pathetic mean having the power to produce deep emotion.

moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Examples of touching in a Sentence

Adjective

touching lots in the housing development will eventually be separated by hedges for privacy

a touching movie about two lost animals who try to find their way home

Preposition

there has been an objection touching the last of the proposed new bylaws

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Meanwhile, Zendaya was honored with the Spotlight Tribute at the Gotham Awards for her role in Challengers, delivering a touching speech dedicated to her mother. —Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Dec. 2024

Many fans said the touching moment had them in floods too. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

The TikTok, shared by Thornberry on Nov. 20, quickly went viral with thousands of pet lovers moved by the touching story. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Despite their sorrow, seeing the sisters closer than ever before is a touching way to say goodbye. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

touching

adjective

touch·​ing

ˈtəch-iŋ

: causing a feeling of tenderness or pity

a touching story

touchingly adverb