1
as in sensitive
easily offended
he's ticklish about his looks, so it's wisest to avoid the subject altogether
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
trying to tell him that his zipper is down without embarrassing him will be a ticklish task
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ticklish
Transporting the patient 12 miles to Hartford Hospital would be ticklish.
—
Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
Yes, their contempt votes are politically ticklish.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026
However, Apollo economist Torsten Slok said policymakers are in a ticklish spot now with inflation still above target and the soft jobs picture, putting the central bank’s dual goals of stable prices and full employment in conflict.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Rubbing underarm is selected as a target motion of robot because previous research suggests that this is the best way for making humans feel ticklish.
—Erico Guizzo, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Oct. 2016
See All Example Sentences for ticklish
Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
Yes, their contempt votes are politically ticklish.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026
However, Apollo economist Torsten Slok said policymakers are in a ticklish spot now with inflation still above target and the soft jobs picture, putting the central bank’s dual goals of stable prices and full employment in conflict.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Rubbing underarm is selected as a target motion of robot because previous research suggests that this is the best way for making humans feel ticklish.
—Erico Guizzo, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Oct. 2016
See All Example Sentences for ticklish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ticklish
Adjective
-
According to the text of the current agreement, the most sensitive nuclear issues are not yet agreed to on paper.—
Quinn Scanlan,
ABC News,
21 June 2026
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Just last month, an attack on Canvas, a software used in schools and colleges, put thousands of students at risk by exposing sensitive information.—
Taylor Croft,
AJC.com,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Adjective
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Manliness is a touchy subject these days, but there was a time when honorable combat was respected above the mere running of one’s mouth.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
-
Money is still somewhat of a touchy subject for Jason Bateman.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 June 2026
Adjective
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McIlroy bogeyed 18 to finish at one under, squarely in the hunt, considering the tough conditions limited scoring.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
-
Parker, a former Eagles assistant, has risen quickly through the NFL coaching ranks and now faces a tough task with a roster full of new faces and high expectations.—
Briana Aldridge,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
They can be withdrawn or irritable.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
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While Hockney worked, Auden, as the artist recalled, played the part of the impatient, irritable grump.—
Mark Rozzo,
Vanity Fair,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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This will surely bring up some complicated emotions.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
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Behind the glitter, grooves and Grammy-winning legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire sits a more complicated story, revealing a more personal side of the band’s founder, Maurice White.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
In the first week of testimony, Musk took the stand and couldn’t help but get tetchy.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
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Edgily eager to shoot their scenes and get a move on with their acting lives, the increasingly tetchy trio are stuck in virtual drydock as all actual moviemaking has drained away.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Or will society collectively begin to see this as problematic?—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
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Calories Burned Chasing a calorie burn is especially problematic, according to De Leon.—
Christa Sgobba,
Health,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ticklish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ticklish. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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