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 of touching

Adjective

• adjacent
• neighboring
• adjoining
• closest

Preposition

• regarding
• concerning
• toward
• about
• on
• of

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

And when a breakthrough with the Martians does come, it’s enabled by another universal language—art—to beautiful and touching effect. —Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

This film is at once lyrical and political, touching and authentic, heart-breaking and heart-warming, while also being infused with joy and humor. —Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026

It was alleged that Murphy had years of misconduct, which included improperly touching genitals during massages and intrusive observation during urine sampling for drug tests. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026

The Ronettes frontwoman passed away in 2022, but Zendaya — who honored Spector in a touching tribute on Instagram — remains attached to star in the biopic, which is being produced by New Regency and A24. —Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for touching

• clutching
• retouching

Kids Definition

touching

adjective

touch·​ing

ˈtəch-iŋ

: causing a feeling of tenderness or pity

a touching story

touchingly adverb