MOVING Synonyms: 403 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'moving' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moving are affecting , impressive , pathetic , poignant , and touching . While all these words 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

Q: How do 'affecting' and 'moving' relate to one another?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos. // an affecting deathbed reunion

Q: In what contexts can 'impressive' take the place of 'moving'?

While in some cases nearly identical to moving , impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction. // an impressive list of achievements

Q: When can 'pathetic' be used instead of 'moving'?

The meanings of pathetic and moving largely overlap; however, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt. // pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Q: When could 'poignant' be used to replace 'moving'?

The words poignant and moving are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities. // a poignant documentary on the homeless

Q: When would 'touching' be a good substitute for 'moving'?

In some situations, the words touching and moving are roughly equivalent. However, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion. // the touching innocence in a child's eyes

moving 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmü-viŋ

Definition of moving next

as in emotional

having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies he gave a truly moving graduation speech that had some graduates in tears

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Relevance

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moving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of move

as in relocating

to change the place or position of I need you to move all your books off that chair before company gets here

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as in driving

to set or keep in motion the hands of the wall clock are moved by battery

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as in shifting

to change one's position don't move while I'm trying to draw your portrait

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as in affecting

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response we were deeply moved by the program of patriotic music

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as in provoking

to rouse to strong feeling or action the heartfelt appeal moved the people to reach into their pockets and donate generously

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as in persuading

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests the report moved me to change my mind about the issue

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as in activating

to cause to function this one button moves the whole machine

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as in exiting

to leave a place often for another the police officer told the loiterers to move along

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word moving distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moving are affecting, impressive, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words 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

How do affecting and moving relate to one another?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

In what contexts can impressive take the place of moving?

While in some cases nearly identical to moving, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When can pathetic be used instead of moving?

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

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When could poignant be used to replace moving?

The words poignant and moving are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 moving?

In some situations, the words touching and moving 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 moving

Adjective

His wife, Melissa, heartbroken and angry at his loss, provides some of the most moving testimony. —

Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025 What follows is a very moving scene between Dylan and Irving. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 In what might be the film’s most moving section, Robbie meets Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno), lead singer of the all-girl band All Saints, one New Year’s Eve at a masked party on a boat. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024 The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs. —

Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for moving

Recent Examples of Synonyms for moving

Adjective

Despite the physical and emotional toll their work extracts, the women who live at the parlor have fortified an impenetrable sisterhood.

— Michaela Zee, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
White was noticeably emotional addressing the audience of cast, crew, network executives, and supporters inside the Paramount Theatre.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025