1
as in sensitive
easily offended
watch what you say around him, as he's very touchy about every little thing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
money is a touchy subject for many people and shouldn't be discussed casually
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in combustible
capable of catching or being set on fire
the experiment involves the use of some touchy chemicals, so caution is required
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of touchy
In his acceptance speech for winning best director, Baker issued a call to arms over the touchy subject of how long a title plays exclusively in theaters before going to homes.
—
Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
And others point out that targeting churches, temples and other religious institution remains a politically touchy issue.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025
Swathes of people across the world grew up with the Shrek films—and that can make sequels released decades after the original (like Shrek 5) a touchy subject.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The blast of attention falls at a touchy time for Greenland.
—Maya Tekeli, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for touchy
Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
And others point out that targeting churches, temples and other religious institution remains a politically touchy issue.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025
Swathes of people across the world grew up with the Shrek films—and that can make sequels released decades after the original (like Shrek 5) a touchy subject.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The blast of attention falls at a touchy time for Greenland.
—Maya Tekeli, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for touchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchy
Adjective
-
The Trump administration – with Musk and his aides as the tip of the spear – have roiled the federal government with mass layoffs and demands for access to sensitive information at agencies including the Social Security Administration and the National Labor Relations Board.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
Let the paste sit for 30 minutes. Rinse away thoroughly and repeat if necessary. Method 4: For Acrylic Tubs Acrylic tubs require specific cleaners because of how sensitive the material is.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
Rust, a difficult movie to release, grossed $25k at 115 theaters, presented by Falling Forward Films.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
-
Clematis wilt is a fungal infection that is difficult to treat.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
That leaves the party with a combustible combination of entrenched elites presiding over a rank-and-file cohort that loathes both Donald Trump and their own party.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Mixed in with newer homes and buildings constructed with fire-wise methods and materials are wooden cabins from the 1940s and ‘50s with highly combustible shake roofs and wood decks.—
CalMatters,
The Mercury News,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
It is believed to reduce pain and inflammation, and has been used for treatment of back pain, high blood pressure, arthritis, migraines, and irritable bowel disease.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
4 Apr. 2025
-
And even in what was a stilted match played in an increasingly irritable atmosphere, Rogers and Tielemans delivered with an assist each.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But his sharpness increased as the tournament progressed, especially in the semi-final against his toughest opponent on paper, Stephen Nedoroscik.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
-
Dodging tough questions without seeming a bit evasive.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
Forecast: Both rookies will have good rookie seasons, but the combination of L.A.’s more talented offense and his own tools will lead to the explosive Hampton, 22, matching or exceeding Jeanty, 21, in both yards per carry and rushes of 20 yards or more. Expect Jeanty to carry a heavier load.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
-
She’s charged with an attempt to assassinate a cabinet member nominee and carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive or incendiary device on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, the indictment shows.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
At least, that’s how a plurality of Americans perceive the tetchy state of our union.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Trading was tetchy at first, floating between flat and a 1.5 percent gain.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Be especially wary of really, really flammable things.—
Matthew Korfhage,
WIRED,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Another consideration is how close the development sits to heavy vegetation and highly flammable fuels, and to manage them with a combination of wet zones, thinning zones, and fire-resistant planting.—
Jennifer Castenson,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Touchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchy. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share