touching

1 of 2

adjective

touch·​ing ˈtə-chiŋ How to pronounce touching (audio)
: capable of arousing emotions of tenderness or compassion
touchingly adverb

touching

2 of 2

preposition

: in reference to : concerning
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
Mykelti Brown Padron, who is Robert's half-sibling and Christine's daughter, penned a touching tribute to him on Instagram Monday. Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 The family mark the celebration each year, but the touching photograph was also seen as a message to the nation and ought to have eased growing public concern following Kate’s surgery in January for a noncancerous abdominal issue. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Related Stories Grand Theft Hamlet The Bottom Line Innovative and touching. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 With childlike innocence and almost touching simplicity, Randy (Ethan Suplee) follows Earl (Jason Lee) on his quest for karmic redemption like a loyal bulldog. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Both touching and funny, ENGLISH offers a revelatory glimpse into the human desire to belong. The Enquirer, 4 Mar. 2024 Julianne Moore, ‘Still Alice’ (2015) A never-better Moore gives a top-notch, touching portrayal of a woman dealing with early onset Alzheimer's in this drama. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 The letter began with a touching tribute to Charlie Munger, who passed away shy of his hundredth birthday in late November 2023. Bill Stone, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Part of it takes place during the pandemic and inside their lives and inside their relationship, which is very touching. Michael Calore Lauren Goode, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'touching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of touching was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near touching

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touching. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

touching

adjective
touch·​ing
ˈtəch-iŋ
: causing a feeling of tenderness or pity
a touching story
touchingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on touching

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