affecting 1 of 3

affecting

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of affect

affecting

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of affect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affecting distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of affecting are impressive, moving, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When might impressive be a better fit than affecting?

The synonyms impressive and affecting are sometimes interchangeable, but impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When is it sensible to use moving instead of affecting?

Although the words moving and affecting have much in common, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When could pathetic be used to replace affecting?

While the synonyms pathetic and affecting are close in meaning, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When is poignant a more appropriate choice than affecting?

The meanings of poignant and affecting largely overlap; however, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

When would touching be a good substitute for affecting?

In some situations, the words touching and affecting are roughly equivalent. However, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 affecting
Adjective
Rabab Khamis’ Recycling is one of the more affecting takes on this issue. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025 That’s why arguably one of the most affecting scenes in the film comes when one of those singular shoots meant to make a spectacle of one of Jenna’s outfits (a dark bodysuit with long spindly fingers and a matching insectile headpiece) all but breaks apart. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
The Latin America portfolio is the largest at NED, and the freeze has halted all programming, affecting journalists, civic activists, and human rights defenders. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025 Dandruff causes an itchy scalp and is sometimes considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition mainly affecting the scalp. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affecting
Adjective
  • Just before the game, the franchise honored him with a video tribute, and Dončić became emotional.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Season 7’s sleek, six-episode lineup is drawing some of its best reviews to date, with critics praising the emotional complexity, tonal range, and sharp storytelling.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Economic growth − uneven and fragile In raw numbers, Cambodia’s economic progress over the past two decades has been impressive.
    Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But this was far and away Yapi’s most impressive all-around performance over the span of his 66 minutes.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Brennen says one of the most moving moments was when the granddaughter spoke to the crowd.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Pic delves into the relevant issue of prejudice, but in a funny and moving manner.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s destroyed from getting through traffic and touching guys and fenders.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The actor, 71, shared a touching tribute to Jett on Instagram on Sunday, April 13 — what would have been his 33rd birthday.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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