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
The touching picture book tells a story that is personally meaningful to both Lê as a Vietnamese American and his illustrator Dan Santat, a Thai American. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025 People can become infected by eating contaminated food, drinking or having contact with contaminated water and touching animals, animal poop, and the places animals live and roam. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 20 May 2025 The ticket brought back a very strong and touching memory from his youth. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 Funny, sweet, and touching, this was the rare series that never lost its footing even early on. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for touching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching
Adjective
  • Listen to this article These are crimes reported in Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch and adjacent communities between May 20 and May 26, 2025.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • Exceptional candidates often come from adjacent fields with transferable skills that conventional keyword matching overlooks.
    Gergo Vari, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • What To Know Dixon, who has lived in the U.S. for 50 years after arriving from the Philippines at age 14, was emotional following her release.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • 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
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
  • The actor showed off some impressive action star abs and his long, gray beard in character as Odysseus in on-set photos released in March.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Luckily, June brings an impressive lineup of new and returning shows, including The Bear, Squid Game, The Gilded Age and more.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 1 June 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
  • Tesla plans to launch a ride-hail service in Austin around June, joining Amazon’s (AMZN) Zoox and Waymo — among others — in the city.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Closer to home, Petco Park hosted a record 10 full-stadium concerts in 2024 and 13 at its smaller adjoining outdoor venue, the 6,000-capacity Gallagher Square.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • An adjoining flex space could be used as a studio, an office, or a gallery, while an alfresco dining area, a fire pit, a cascading waterfall, and a two-vehicle carport can also be found on the premises.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The most moving moments of the program came from VOC Advisory Board member Zarah Meyer, who shared a heartfelt personal testimony alongside her 4-year-old daughter Rosie.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • These streams of immigration have long been the most moving aspect about the United States.
    Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching. Accessed 6 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!