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
As the first installment of the deeply affecting (and sadly unfinished) Parable series, Parable of the Sower is an excellent introduction to one of the greatest American authors in recent memory. Robert English, EW.com, 30 July 2025 Its most affecting moments reference the AIDS epidemic’s abject cruelty. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Verb
Small crafts include owners of small to medium sized motor and sail boats, affecting fisherman, para-sailors, windsurfers and canoe paddlers. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Monroe, tasked with embodying Cherry’s transformation, gives a quietly affecting performance that blossoms into something radiant as her bond with Hero strengthens. Leila Latif, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affecting
Adjective
  • This is the Oscar-winning director's first-ever acting Emmy nomination, and his daughter Francesca shared his emotional reaction to being nominated.
    Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Their emotional personal stories helped fuel the popularity of lotteries.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Dart was widely impressive in OTAs and minicamp and training camp.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Following her loss to Nunes, Shevchenko dropped to 125 pounds and went on one of the most impressive runs in the history of the UFC women’s divisions.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Experts say heavy bomber drones are very useful against non-moving targets, as well as against groups of soldiers or bunkers, but are typically used at night.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
  • However, the idea that Richardson’s second benching in nine months can somehow be spun into a positive for his development isn’t very moving.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The saints’ days are celebrated, the great days of history are celebrated, and they’re celebrated with this sort of enormous exuberance and deep investment that is somehow very, very touching, very embracing, and very inclusive.
    Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The chemistry between Johnson & Blunt is genuine & touching, elevating the drama w/ shocking emotional depth.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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