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

Adjective

• abutting
• adjacent
• adjoining
• bordering
• conterminous
• contiguous
• flanking
• flush
• fringing
• joining
• juxtaposed
• neighboring
• skirting
• verging

Preposition

• about
• apropos
• apropos of
• as far as
• as for
• as regards
• as respects
• as to
• concerning
• of
• on
• regarding
• respecting
• toward
• towards

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 title is within touching distance for Liverpool. —Andy Jones, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

Randy Newman as himself Given the onscreen tribute to wildfire victims, survivors, and first responders that the show closed Episode 4 with, seeing Newman play the piano at the end of Deborah’s first late-night show was particularly touching. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025

Later in the week, the pair unveiled a touching new memorial. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025

During a remembrance ceremony over the weekend, the former president shared a touching story about the agent and called for Americans to unite. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 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