affecting

1 of 2

adjective

af·​fect·​ing ə-ˈfek-tiŋ 

a-

: evoking a strong emotional response

affectingly

ə-ˈfek-tiŋ-lē 

a-

adverb

affecting

2 of 2

present participle of affect entry 1, affect entry 2

Synonyms of affecting

Adjective

• emotional
• impressive
• moving
• touching

Choose the Right Synonym for affecting

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 affecting in a Sentence

Adjective

He begins his book with an affecting description of his difficult childhood.

the affecting final scene in the play, when the children are reunited with their father

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As previously reported, Folsom’s archival excavation has become one of the more affecting second acts in contemporary music. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 16 Sep. 2026

Nevertheless, the filmmakers have found an affecting way to dramatize the official line that Oasis are the biggest band in the world. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Wojnarowicz’s words are immediate and unpolished and affecting, even when he feels betrayed by their limitations. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

And yet, Lestat is so palpably alive, which makes the vocal hardening all the more affecting. — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of affect entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1720, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for affecting

• bisecting
• collecting
• connecting
• correcting
• defecting
• deflecting
• detecting
• directing
• dissecting
• effecting
• ejecting
• electing

Kids Definition

affecting

adjective

af·​fect·​ing ə-ˈfek-tiŋ 

a-

: causing a feeling of pity, sympathy, or sorrow

affectingly

-tiŋ-lē 

adverb