touchier; touchiest
Synonyms of touchynext
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
touchily adverb
touchiness noun

Examples of touchy in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, things go in a different direction almost instantly when Kody brings up a touchy topic. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 And if past is prologue, the path for truly despicable characters — however brilliantly rendered — remains touchy ground. Clayton Davis, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025 Bigleaf hydrangeas can be especially touchy when grown in Northern states. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025 Likewise, romance is touchy and disappointing. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchy

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of touchy was in 1602

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Touchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touchy. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

touchy

adjective
touchier; touchiest
1
: easily hurt or insulted
2
: calling for tact or careful handling
a touchy subject

More from Merriam-Webster on touchy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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