1
as in sensitive
easily offended
watch what you say around him, as he's very touchy about every little thing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
money is a touchy subject for many people and shouldn't be discussed casually
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in combustible
capable of catching or being set on fire
the experiment involves the use of some touchy chemicals, so caution is required
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 touchy
Read the full Virgo Daily Horoscope Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Relationships can be touchy today.
—
USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
Problems in Pennsylvania Pennsylvanians had already revealed themselves to be touchy about federal tax obligations.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Evans and her bridesmaid, Emma Savage, were so touchy in the pics that even the bride's son was confused over who got married that day.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
This isn't always a bad thing; one pilot's instability is often another's idea of extreme agility, and in the era of the dogfight, the ability to turn on a dime was such an enormous advantage that some of the best aircraft were notoriously touchy at the stick.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for touchy
USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
Problems in Pennsylvania Pennsylvanians had already revealed themselves to be touchy about federal tax obligations.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Evans and her bridesmaid, Emma Savage, were so touchy in the pics that even the bride's son was confused over who got married that day.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
This isn't always a bad thing; one pilot's instability is often another's idea of extreme agility, and in the era of the dogfight, the ability to turn on a dime was such an enormous advantage that some of the best aircraft were notoriously touchy at the stick.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for touchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchy
Adjective
-
Many fractional leaders work across industries or sign non-compete agreements to avoid working with direct competitors, but companies must establish clear expectations to protect sensitive information.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
-
This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.—
Terry Parris Jr.,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Stars of Durant’s stature can be notoriously difficult to pin down for interviews.—
Darnell Mayberry,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
-
But breaking with Russian gas has been difficult for Austria, which until recently was one of a handful of European countries to keep importing the fuel by pipeline.—
Stanley Reed,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Both instances violated fire protection procedures that require maintaining at least 5 feet of distance between hot metal surfaces and combustible material.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Neighbors whose homes are farther apart face another risk: The vegetation and other combustible materials in between properties can fuel a wildfire.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Cold exposure is particularly helpful for those who have irritable skin through the constriction of blood vessels, alleviating swelling and flushes.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The elderly single mom, played with an irritable, bone-deep bitterness by Irish actor Fiona Shaw, has spent the past few years paralyzed by an illness no one can diagnose.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
How to Bet Timberwolves vs. Lakers Following up a game like Tuesday's would be tough for the Wolves under any circumstances, but with Edwards battling a calf injury and DiVincenzo potentially sidelined, beating the Lakers in L.A. will be that much more difficult.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
-
This all adds up to a tough investment outlook for any business looking at Ukraine’s mineral supply.—
Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
This week, an explosive track from Lisa‘s solo debut LP, a punk rock shiner from Halsey, and Djo‘s latest soft rock trip down memory lane.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
-
What makes Miller a potential All-Star is an explosive swing that puts loft on the ball.—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
That rivalry carried over into the UFC as Tate and Rousey coached against each other in a tetchy season of The Ultimate Fighter before Rousey defeated Tate via third-round armbar to retain her UFC bantamweight title at UFC 168.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
-
When Southampton’s Duje Caleta-Car was dismissed in January 2023 in the first leg of a tetchy Carabao Cup semi-final, Murphy waved him on his way.—
George Caulkin,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Disposable vapes, intended to be thrown away once used, come with a highly flammable lithium ion battery that poses a risk for garbage trucks and waste processing facilities, said Joe La Mariana of the group RethinkWaste at a Wednesday press conference.—
Andrew Sheeler,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Feb. 2025
-
You’re reminded that human beings are extremely flammable.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Touchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchy. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share