touch 1 of 2

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as in to affect
to be the business or affair of I don't think this decision touches you, so butt out

Synonyms & Similar Words

touch

2 of 2

noun

1
as in contact
the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation everyone promised to keep in touch over the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something a touch of irritation tinged his voice as the candidate fielded yet another question about his personal finances

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb touch differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of touch are affect, impress, influence, strike, and sway. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

When can affect be used instead of touch?

The words affect and touch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

Where would impress be a reasonable alternative to touch?

The meanings of impress and touch largely overlap; however, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When could influence be used to replace touch?

The synonyms influence and touch are sometimes interchangeable, but influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

When is strike a more appropriate choice than touch?

While in some cases nearly identical to touch, strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

When is it sensible to use sway instead of touch?

Although the words sway and touch have much in common, sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

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 touch
Verb
The power of community and pop culture is mentioned in the introduction when touching on Abloh’s uniqueness. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 30 June 2025 Robinhood — Shares of the brokerage app provider popped 10% and touched a fresh 52-week high. Sean Conlon,pia Singh, CNBC, 29 June 2025
Noun
For a dash of the preppy, pair the Men’s Wearhouse suit jacket in light gray with a textured polo that’s only a touch darker, accessorizing with a shiny watch and white belt for good measure. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 June 2025 But the delicacy of her touch, her vision, her reading of the game and her ability to score crucial goals for her country remain largely unrivalled in the Wales squad. Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for touch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch
Verb
  • Westerdam is comfortably sized, with 958 cabins, giving guests plenty to do without feeling overwhelmed.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • Travel often feels like a race to get up and do everything, but honestly?
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • This asymmetric and chemically heterogeneous upwelling, influenced by tectonic movement, is concentrated below the Afar region in Ethiopia.
    Jay Kakade July 05, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
  • Tariffs have also influenced the interest rates consumers pay on their debt.
    Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • When Maris slammed his 61st home run to surpass Ruth, many Yankee fans, the media and Ford Frick, baseball’s commissioner at the time, said the accomplishment was tainted.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • In the filing, Taylor argued that a TV episode about the case has the potential to taint the jury pool.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Nikki Glaser, Tyra Banks, Jenna Lyons, Michael Kors, Zac Posen also join the mix this year as well as Abbott Elementary stars Chris Perfetti and Lisa Ann Walter who will be making an appearance to kick off one of the challenges.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • The Bobcats will be in the Sun Belt for the final year this fall before joining Washington State, Oregon State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State in the next edition of the Pac-12.
    Erik Buchinger, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Nearly 3,000 properties nationwide are affected — and a staggering number are right here in South Florida, with Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties at ground zero.
    Peter S. Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Metastatic prostate cancer may affect your quality of life, relationships, ability to work, and finances.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Fiber drones seem to be popular for ambush attacks, because the connection via a fiber optic cable uses less energy than maintaining video contact.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Others include contact details or even audio clips.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • There’s also a splash pad and playground for the kids.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • Enjoy playscapes, a swimming pool, splash pads for the kids, sports fields Dillon Stadium and historic buildings.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • The new species was identified by its size, scale pattern, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said.
    Aspen Pflughoeft Updated July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • More services will be added and when the service goes live, other features will be available to Android users, including multimedia messaging, picture messaging, and short audio clips.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Touch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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