affecting 1 of 3

affecting

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of affect

affecting

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of affect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affecting distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of affecting are impressive, moving, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When might impressive be a better fit than affecting?

The synonyms impressive and affecting are sometimes interchangeable, but impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When is it sensible to use moving instead of affecting?

Although the words moving and affecting have much in common, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When could pathetic be used to replace affecting?

While the synonyms pathetic and affecting are close in meaning, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When is poignant a more appropriate choice than affecting?

The meanings of poignant and affecting largely overlap; however, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

When would touching be a good substitute for affecting?

In some situations, the words touching and affecting are roughly equivalent. However, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 affecting
Adjective
Rabab Khamis’ Recycling is one of the more affecting takes on this issue. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025 That’s why arguably one of the most affecting scenes in the film comes when one of those singular shoots meant to make a spectacle of one of Jenna’s outfits (a dark bodysuit with long spindly fingers and a matching insectile headpiece) all but breaks apart. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
The Latin America portfolio is the largest at NED, and the freeze has halted all programming, affecting journalists, civic activists, and human rights defenders. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025 Dandruff causes an itchy scalp and is sometimes considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition mainly affecting the scalp. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affecting
Adjective
  • That tension, both emotional and class-based, gave the film a new dynamic.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • In an emotional TikTok video, a woman graduating revealed her parents' solution as her brother also graduated 1,000 miles away: her dad came to her ceremony, while her mother went to her brother's.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rafaela's hitting is less impressive than that of his two counterparts, but his defense is elite.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • These remarkable and unique places to stay in Italy, which include rustic getaways, palace apartments, and even a Palladian villa, come with impressive histories, and often reasonable prices.
    Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • For me though, the most moving moment comes early, when Cassian is preparing to steal the fighter with the help of an insider at the Empire’s test facility.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The larger your business is, the more moving pieces there will be in your financial puzzle, and therefore the more complex your tax return will be.
    Bree Manay, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The women accused him of inappropriate touching, offensive comments and creating a hostile work environment.
    Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
  • The singer, 67, posted a touching tribute to his wife, 66, alongside a throwback black and white photo of them on Instagram in honor of their 47th wedding anniversary on Thursday, May 8.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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