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

According to Plano police arrest records, four second-grade students have accused the 64-year-old teacher of inappropriate touching. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Kenan Thompson, her co-star on All That, was shocked by the news and shared a photo of the late actress online in a touching tribute. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026

One of the couple’s famous guests recently detailed Kelce’s touching reaction as Swift walked down the aisle. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026

The speech Adam Vinatieri delivered at the Pro Football Hall of Fame upon his induction was touching, insightful, emotional, and comedy-act funny. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

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