touchier; touchiest
1
: marked by readiness to take offense on slight provocation
he's a little touchy about his past
2
: calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment
a touchy subject
3
a
of a body part
: acutely sensitive or irritable
b
of a chemical
: highly explosive or inflammable
Examples of touchy in a Sentence
Don't be so touchy. I was just kidding.
watch what you say around him, as he's very touchy about every little thing
Recent Examples on the Web
Few things in life are touchier or more prone to argument than the topic of favorite sports movies.
—
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
The bank’s executive team, led by Dominic Ng as chief executive officer, is well aware of the touchy state of U.S.-China relations.
—John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Sun Sentinel Asking Eric: My son begged us not to bring up our grievance to his touchy in-laws
His wife’s parents make all the holiday plans, and we’re never invited.
—South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2025
Marco Silva Goal celebrations have been a slightly touchy subject for Marco Silva.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for touchy
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Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
The bank’s executive team, led by Dominic Ng as chief executive officer, is well aware of the touchy state of U.S.-China relations.
—John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Sun Sentinel Asking Eric: My son begged us not to bring up our grievance to his touchy in-laws
His wife’s parents make all the holiday plans, and we’re never invited.
—South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2025
Marco Silva Goal celebrations have been a slightly touchy subject for Marco Silva.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for touchy
Cite this Entry
“Touchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touchy. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
touchy
adjective
touchier; touchiest
1
: easily hurt or insulted
2
: calling for tact or careful handling
a touchy subject
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