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
While tethers on ROVs to share information with those on the surface are typically made of copper, the material could only withstand 300 feet depths before camera footage starts to experience lag, ultimately affecting the vehicle’s control. Amelia Wu, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 As of January 2025, 144 countries had implemented national data privacy laws, affecting 82% of the world's population. Josh Hawkins, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affecting
Adjective
  • To navigate emotional volatility, understand what behaviors are acceptable to you and create clear boundaries with the ones that are not.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The emotions of that victory two years ago were apparent at the time — Sirianni was bombastic exiting the field after the emotional win — but there is no concept of revenge this time.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The team's away record is also impressive, with two wins and one draw, showcasing its ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Also, while the 16 Plus' battery life isn’t class-leading, its 167-nit brightness at our 50% testing setting is impressive, particularly compared with the Asus and Samsung.
    Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Then, keep scrolling to check out more moving essentials like vacuum space-saver bags and heavy-duty tape.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The clip tells the touching story of how the pair formed an unexpected bond after tragedy struck.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • That was evident in San Jose when Shinoda went out into the pit, between the stage and the crowd barriers, and walked about touching hands and sharing moments with the audience.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affecting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!