moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.
a moving appeal for contributions
impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.
an impressive list of achievements
poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.
a poignant documentary on the homeless
affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.
an affecting deathbed reunion
touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.
the touching innocence in a child's eyes
pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.
pathetic attempts to justify misconduct
Examples of affecting in a Sentence
He begins his book with an affecting description of his difficult childhood.
the affecting final scene in the play, when the children are reunited with their father
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
One of the most affecting posts was a picture of a small garbage bag-like plastic bag that contains a baby’s body.—Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 For the picture-seeking visitor, however, the most affecting changes are quieter.—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 His Tom goes through his routines with slight weariness but also diligence, at times flashing an innocent surprise in his eyes — all of this more affecting than pure burn-out.—Nicolas Rapold, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025 De Fontenay’s affecting but frustrating film has its reasons for that distance.—Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Share