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

• adjacent
• neighboring
• adjoining
• closest

Preposition

• regarding
• concerning
• about
• on
• of
• towards
• toward

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

Bezos and Sánchez’s bash included a performance by Jewel and a touching speech by the groom-to-be. —Ariana Quihuiz, People.com, 24 June 2025

Following one shipboard spat, Whittle agreed to a duel with his challenger upon touching land, though the pair never followed through. —Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025

Sending them a handwritten letter with congratulations can be very, very touching. —Nancy Marshall, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

The climax is equal parts touching and gruesome — and not where anyone would have imagined this movie going. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 June 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