TOUCHING Synonyms: 320 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of touching are affecting , impressive , moving , pathetic , and poignant . While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion. // the touching innocence in a child's eyes

Q: How are the words 'affecting' and 'moving' related as synonyms of 'touching'?

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

Q: When could 'impressive' be used to replace 'touching'?

While the synonyms impressive and touching are close in meaning, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction. // an impressive list of achievements

Q: When might 'moving' be a better fit than 'touching'?

The words moving and touching can be used in similar contexts, but moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy. // a moving appeal for contributions

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

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

Q: Where would 'poignant' be a reasonable alternative to 'touching'?

In some situations, the words poignant and touching are roughly equivalent. However, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities. // a poignant documentary on the homeless

touching 1 of 3

adjective

ˈtə-chiŋ

Definition of touching next

as in adjacent

having a border in common touching lots in the housing development will eventually be separated by hedges for privacy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in emotional

having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies a touching movie about two lost animals who try to find their way home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

touching

2 of 3

preposition

as in regarding

having to do with there has been an objection touching the last of the proposed new bylaws

Synonyms & Similar Words

touching

3 of 3

verb

present participle of touch

as in feeling

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

as in affecting

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in marring

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adjoining

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in concerning

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word touching distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of touching are affecting, impressive, moving, pathetic, and poignant. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

How are the words affecting and moving related as synonyms of touching?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When could impressive be used to replace touching?

While the synonyms impressive and touching are close in meaning, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When might moving be a better fit than touching?

The words moving and touching can be used in similar contexts, but moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When can pathetic be used instead of touching?

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

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Where would poignant be a reasonable alternative to touching?

In some situations, the words poignant and touching are roughly equivalent. However, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

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 touching

Adjective

The Teen Mom couple shared a touching tribute on TikTok, which was later posted on their joint Facebook account, praising their teenage daughter Carly on her 17th birthday. —

Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026 See some of the sailors’ touching reunions with their families. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 18 May 2026

Verb

Meanwhile, doctors working in eastern DRC are hammering home the message that people should avoid touching anyone who may have Ebola, stop unnecessary physical contact like hugging with anyone, and avoid touching dead animals. —

Erikas Mwisi, CNN Money, 24 May 2026 Handlers use leashes and balls that can be easily cleaned, and people must sanitize their hands before and after touching the dogs. —

Laura Ungar, Fortune, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for touching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching

Adjective

Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, popular Southern California theme parks which are in areas adjacent to the evacuation sites, are open early Saturday but officials are monitoring the situation.

— Paris Barraza, USA Today, 24 May 2026
Talk to people working in adjacent functions or industries.

— Juliette Han, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026