TOUCH Synonyms: 395 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'touch' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of touch are affect , impress , influence , strike , and sway . While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming. // plants touched by frost // his emotions were touched by her distress

Q: When can 'affect' be used instead of 'touch'?

The words affect and touch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction. // the sight affected her to tears

Q: Where would 'impress' be a reasonable alternative to 'touch'?

The meanings of impress and touch largely overlap; however, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect. // only one of the plans impressed him

Q: When could 'influence' be used to replace 'touch'?

The synonyms influence and touch are sometimes interchangeable, but influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior). // our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

Q: When is 'strike' a more appropriate choice than 'touch'?

While in some cases nearly identical to touch , strike , similar to but weaker than impress , may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation. // struck by the solemnity of the occasion

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sway' instead of 'touch'?

Although the words sway and touch have much in common, sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action. // politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

touch 1 of 2

verb

ˈtəch

Definition of touch next

as in to feel

to come into bodily contact with (something) so as to perceive a slight pressure on the skin be careful not to touch this pan—it's still hot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to influence

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response your speech on the true meaning of patriotism touched me deeply

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to taint

to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable unfortunately, his insufferable arrogance tends to touch even the good deeds that he does

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as in to join

to be adjacent to our property touches theirs right where that big elm tree is

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as in to affect

to be the business or affair of I don't think this decision touches you, so butt out

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touch

2 of 2

noun

as in contact

the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation everyone promised to keep in touch over the summer

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as in splash

a very small amount added just a touch of parsley to the dish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in feature

something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind each designer has his or her own personal touches

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as in hint

an almost imperceptible sign of something a touch of irritation tinged his voice as the candidate fielded yet another question about his personal finances

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb touch differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of touch are affect, impress, influence, strike, and sway. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost

his emotions were touched by her distress

When can affect be used instead of touch?

The words affect and touch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

Where would impress be a reasonable alternative to touch?

The meanings of impress and touch largely overlap; however, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When could influence be used to replace touch?

The synonyms influence and touch are sometimes interchangeable, but influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

When is strike a more appropriate choice than touch?

While in some cases nearly identical to touch, strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

When is it sensible to use sway instead of touch?

Although the words sway and touch have much in common, sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

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 touch

Verb

This discussion will touch on themes of artistic intuition, the role of photography in shaping environmental consciousness, and how visual storytelling can become a tool for transformation in an era of climate crisis. —

Photovogue, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025 But one night, during a late dinner, Diana says, things took a turn and Crowley touched her inappropriately. —

Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025

Noun

But a touch more emotional reasonableness in Wynona might have paid theatrical dividends. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025 The contrast detailing gives the classic silhouette a polished touch, while the lightweight, flowy fabric moves beautifully—whether you're headed to a spring wedding, a beach vacation, or just a leisurely Saturday stroll. —

Kaitlin Marks, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for touch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch

Verb

Brand founder Rosie Jane designs her clean scents to feel easy, breezy, and imminently wearable in everyday life.

— Jenny Berg, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025
Teams feel pressured as NASCAR has retained control over half of the revenue, leaving the rest for the teams to share.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025