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

The filmmaker details how moments in rehearsal with Jonathan Bailey and Cynthia Erivo led to some of the film's most touching romantic moments between Fiyero and Elphaba. —Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025

TikTokers were quick to share their reactions to the touching moment. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Harris shared a touching moment with Madigan at the Los Angeles premiere of his 2012 film Man on a Ledge, which also featured Elizabeth Banks, Anthony Mackie, Sam Worthington and more. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

The film’s cringey and hilarious moments – mixed with deeply touching dramatic notes – have cemented its place among must-see annual holiday movies. —Dan Heching, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

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