touching

1 of 3

adjective

touch·​ing ˈtə-chiŋ 

: capable of arousing emotions of tenderness or compassion

touchingly adverb

touching

2 of 3

preposition

: in reference to : concerning

touching

3 of 3

present participle of touch entry 1

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

McGraw marked the milestone on Instagram with a touching tribute to Hill that included reflections on their surprise backyard wedding. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026

The only thing inspectors want touching handwash sinks is soapy water from hands being washed. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

The 1990 Tim Burton classic stars a youthful Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder — then still a celebrity couple — in the touching story of an artificial man with blades for hands. — Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Their story is both touching and deeply relatable, reminding us how easily we can get caught up in our habits and lose sight of what matters most. — John Hopewell, Variety, 21 Oct. 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