touching

1 of 2

adjective

touch·​ing ˈtə-chiŋ 

: capable of arousing emotions of tenderness or compassion

touchingly adverb

touching

2 of 2

preposition

: in reference to : concerning

Synonyms

Adjective

• abutting
• adjacent
• adjoining
• bordering
• conterminous
• contiguous
• flanking
• flush
• fringing
• joining
• juxtaposed
• neighboring
• skirting
• verging

Preposition

• about
• apropos
• apropos of
• as far as
• as for
• as regards
• as respects
• as to
• concerning
• of
• on
• regarding
• respecting
• toward
• towards

Choose the Right Synonym for touching

moving, impressive, poignant, affecting, touching, pathetic mean having the power to produce deep emotion.

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 touching in a Sentence

Adjective

touching lots in the housing development will eventually be separated by hedges for privacy

a touching movie about two lost animals who try to find their way home

Preposition

there has been an objection touching the last of the proposed new bylaws

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Watts, 55, Witherspoon, 48, Urban and Zac Efron all gave touching speeches in honor of the actress during the ceremony. —Topher Gauk-Roger, Peoplemag, 28 Apr. 2024

The article was this touching, civilized discourse between these two women who weren’t going to let this particular issue divide them. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

Watch the video above to witness the touching moment when Nate finally hears his parents’ voices! —Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2024

The touching exchange continued with Wonder reciprocating the sentiment, commending Beyoncé for inspiring positive change in the world. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 2 Apr. 2024

The result is a sweetly touching adaptation of the bestselling book that explores the quest for humanity and connection even under the strangest of circumstances within an authoritarian regime. —Brian Lowry, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024

Even unsung heroes get their musical moments, a touching one by Phoebe Burn (Skinner again, lovely), the mother of a Tennessee state senator whose vote decides the fate of the amendment. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

But in the grand tradition of sitcom comedy, this touching and sensitive moment isn’t used merely as a clever plot twist, but rather offers a extremely human look at a character whose mental health suffered during an era in which there was no one to turn for help. —Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024

The proud father, 70, paid a touching tribute to his late son in an Instagram post on April 12, a day ahead of what would have been Jett's 32nd birthday. —Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

touching

adjective

touch·​ing

ˈtəch-iŋ

: causing a feeling of tenderness or pity

a touching story

touchingly adverb