touching 1 of 3

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touching

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preposition

touching

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verb

present participle of touch
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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
With the support of her friend Nikki (Jenny Slate), Molly tries to figure out what really turns her on in this touching (pun unintended) comedy. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2025 After the usual courtesy of touching foils, the bout ended in seconds without a single lunge, as Turner took a knee and removed her mask. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025 That very real issue that people deal with was just touching to me. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025 For the rest of the short teaser, Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) are shown walking around the grounds of the estate, touching bannisters and stone pillars with an air of finality. Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching
Adjective
  • At the same time, California’s energy policies may present opportunities in adjacent sectors—such as EV infrastructure, battery storage, or renewable fuels.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Authorities on Sunday were investigating after a single-engine plane crashed into a road and an adjacent field near Mattoon, Illinois, killing all four occupants.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her emotional response and (to be fair, unethical) choice to threaten the guy suggest to the viewer that Dr. Santos herself experienced a similar kind of trauma as a child.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For Liv in particular, their idea of what that final ride on the plane was going to be was an emotional one.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Mind you, several San Diego Section athletes were impressive without setting records.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Collins is the third TCU player to enter the portal joining Vasean Allette and Isaiah Manning.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 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
  • There was also damage to the adjoining St Philip’s church, according to video received by CNN.
    Abeer Salman, Dana Karni, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Chapter 1 The Center Nobody would take the breast center and its adjoining hospital as an ordinary medical establishment.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 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

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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