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
Some of the more affecting moments take place in this formative stage. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024 Yet, the hater was at his most affecting when confronted with obsessive love, a feeling that commingles warmth with disdain. Brandon Sanchez, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
The Die Hard actor is battling frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which can cause the lobes in the brain to shrink, affecting behavior, language, and more, according to Mayo Clinic. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 The gaming industry has been in deep recession for a little over a year, with mass layoffs still affecting larger studios and many profitable indie studios due to shut down by the end of the year. Rebecca Liao, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affecting
Adjective
  • Louis Vuitton was among the first to recognize how crucial a deep emotional connection is to a brand; the company launched its Travel Book collection in 2013.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • That emotional connection is something Stacey Younge, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Sixth Street Wellness, sees firsthand.
    Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Rashida has carved out a similarly impressive range for herself, appearing on shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Angie Tribeca, and Sunny, and starring in Sofia Coppola's 2020 film On the Rocks.
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The movement is composed of 514 pieces framed within a titanium baseplate, all of which come together to provide the impressive array of complications present.
    Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Filming this way adds time and complication: There are so many more moving parts, and for each new take of a scene, every patient and special effect has to be reset, and the entire set has to be cleaned and reorganized.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
  • One of her most moving posts was her recent follow-up with John Hopkins, longtime owner of Altadena’s O Happy Days vegan cafe and natural food store, who lost his home and store in the Eaton fire.
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • That being said, the officiant said some wonderful things, and my wife was just… well, incredibly touching.
    Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
  • That goal looked to be within touching distance as six birdies saw Walker arrive at the 17th tee on Friday at four-under par for the second round, only for two closing bogeys to bring on an anxious wait to see if one-under par overall would be enough to squeeze through.
    Jack Bantock, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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