touching 1 of 3

1
2

touching

2 of 3

preposition

touching

3 of 3

verb

present participle of touch
1
2
3
4
5

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
Revisiting Ellie’s birthdays was very touching, bridging the changes in both characters. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025 First, that tifo, which was a poignant, touching reference to a famous moment in Palace’s recent history; Darren Ambrose’s iconic 40-yard strike during their victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in a 2011-12 League Cup quarter-final. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 18 May 2025 Larry Bird touched the fibre of basketball that no one’s touching today. Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 18 May 2025 Heavy rom-com vibes ensue in this cheeky and touching musical. Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for touching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching
Adjective
  • Exceptional candidates often come from adjacent fields with transferable skills that conventional keyword matching overlooks.
    Gergo Vari, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • With daily live music and an adjacent outdoor pool deck lined with firepits, the space is designed to bring people together.
    Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Gina Huynh Diddy’s former girlfriend Gina Huynh has made public allegations of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship, leading to speculation that she could be called upon to testify.
    Janeé Bolden, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
  • The award-winning filmmaker captures the emotional and cultural landscapes of 12 African nations, offering an immersive journey into the museum’s new African Art galleries.
    Keyaira Boone, Essence, 30 May 2025
Preposition
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • This helps your healthcare provider check for infections, kidney problems, or other issues affecting your bladder and urinary tract.
    Sayaka Blickenderfer, PhD, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Many social media users also suggest using a plastic spoon rather than a metal spoon when eating the product to avoid negatively affecting the live probiotics.
    Morgan Pearson, MS, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s got a wide range from super fine powdery grains to cracked peppercorns and has impressive output with fewer twists.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • Throughout the past three seasons, the show has also boasted an impressive roster of A-list guest stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Joel McHale, John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter, Olivia Colman, Sarah Paulson, Molly Ringwald, John Cena and Josh Hartnett.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Josh Blank, who played soccer at Elon University from 2016 to 2019, worked in the NFL office for four years before officially joining his dad’s company.
    Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Following the motorcycle accident, Williams worked as an analyst for CBS Sports Network before joining ESPN.
    Elise Devlin, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Book the Franz Liszt Imperial Suite of five adjoining rooms (and 3,659 square feet) for the ultimate home base from which to relax at the Beach Club, decompress at the new spa, play tennis or squash, get gelato in the village of Bellagio, or hire a boat for jaunts to the lake’s charming towns.
    Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 16 May 2025
  • In July 2021, Combs spent $35 million for the adjoining place, 1 Star Island, previously owned by local superstars Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • These streams of immigration have long been the most moving aspect about the United States.
    Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • For me though, the most moving moment comes early, when Cassian is preparing to steal the fighter with the help of an insider at the Empire’s test facility.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on touching

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!