Thesaurus

affecting

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of affecting

(Entry 1 of 3)

having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies

the affecting final scene in the play, when the children are reunited with their father

Synonyms for affecting

Words Related to affecting

cathartic

Near Antonyms for affecting

deadpan

Antonyms for affecting

affecting

verb (1)

present participle of affect

Synonyms & Antonyms of affecting (Entry 2 of 3)

1 to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response

their son claims that scary movies don't affect him in the least

Synonyms for affecting

Words Related to affecting

inspiring,
stirring

Phrases Synonymous with affecting

getting to

Near Antonyms for affecting

underwhelming

2 to be the business or affair of

fortunately, hurricane season doesn't affect the West Coast

Synonyms for affecting

Words Related to affecting

affecting

verb (2)

present participle of affect

Synonyms & Antonyms of affecting (Entry 3 of 3)

1 to present a false appearance of

she affected complete unawareness that we were talking about her, though she must have overheard

Synonyms for affecting

Words Related to affecting

forging,
imitating

feinting

malingering

Phrases Synonymous with affecting

making believe

2 to go to or spend time in often

a power couple known to affect all the fancy parties in town

Synonyms for affecting

Words Related to affecting

patronizing

Near Antonyms for affecting

Antonyms for affecting

avoiding,
shunning

Frequently Asked Questions About affecting

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