touchy

adjective

ˈtə-chē 

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

touchily

ˈtə-chə-lē 

adverb

touchiness

ˈtə-chē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of touchy

• sensitive
• irritable
• tetchy
• ticklish
• huffy

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

Manliness is a touchy subject these days, but there was a time when honorable combat was respected above the mere running of one’s mouth. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

Money is still somewhat of a touchy subject for Jason Bateman. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026

Either way, our somewhat unpredictable spring weather this year has made things a bit more touchy than usual, so please call ahead to verify availability before heading anywhere. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 17 June 2026

Higher prices are a touchy subject approaching the midterm elections, when narrow Republican control of both chambers of Congress is at stake. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing touchy

• touchy-feely

Rhymes for touchy

• duchy

Kids Definition

touchy

adjective

ˈtəch-ē 

touchier; touchiest

1

: easily hurt or insulted

2

: calling for tact or careful handling

a touchy subject