touchier; touchiest
1
: marked by readiness to take offense on slight provocation
he's a little touchy about his past
2
: calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment
a touchy subject
3
a
of a body part
: acutely sensitive or irritable
b
of a chemical
: highly explosive or inflammable
Example Sentences
Don't be so touchy. I was just kidding.
watch what you say around him, as he's very touchy about every little thing
Recent Examples on the Web
Hilarious, and touchy, and classy.
—
Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 3 Oct. 2021
Other cultural issues are also touchy.
—Kevin Lee, The New Republic, 8 Aug. 2022
Why is this question so touchy?
—Grayson Quay, The Week, 15 July 2022
Tips have always been a touchy subject.
—Spencer Jakab, WSJ, 22 Feb. 2023
Admittedly, this is a touchy subject.
—Laura Daily, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2022
Status is a touchy subject in the United States.
—Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 29 Sep. 2022
Imports, mostly from China, are a touchy subject.
—Min Joo Kim, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Sep. 2022
But post-quake taxation is already a touchy topic in the country, and could prove risky in an election year.
—Abbas Al Lawati, CNN, 6 Mar. 2023
See More
Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 3 Oct. 2021
Other cultural issues are also touchy.
—Kevin Lee, The New Republic, 8 Aug. 2022
Why is this question so touchy?
—Grayson Quay, The Week, 15 July 2022
Tips have always been a touchy subject.
—Spencer Jakab, WSJ, 22 Feb. 2023
Admittedly, this is a touchy subject.
—Laura Daily, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2022
Status is a touchy subject in the United States.
—Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 29 Sep. 2022
Imports, mostly from China, are a touchy subject.
—Min Joo Kim, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Sep. 2022
But post-quake taxation is already a touchy topic in the country, and could prove risky in an election year.
—Abbas Al Lawati, CNN, 6 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'touchy.' 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
1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing touchy
Dictionary Entries Near touchy
Cite this Entry
“Touchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touchy. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
touchy
adjective
touchier; touchiest
1
: easily hurt or insulted
2
: calling for tact or careful handling
a touchy subject
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