TICKLISH Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

ticklish

adjective

ˈti-k(ə-)lish

Definition of ticklish

as in sensitive

easily offended he's ticklish about his looks, so it's wisest to avoid the subject altogether

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling trying to tell him that his zipper is down without embarrassing him will be a ticklish task

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 ticklish There’s a ticklish elusiveness to the portraits of Blume’s husbands in the book, and to those of her kids, Randy and Larry, as well. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2026 Transporting the patient 12 miles to Hartford Hospital would be ticklish. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026 However, Apollo economist Torsten Slok said policymakers are in a ticklish spot now with inflation still above target and the soft jobs picture, putting the central bank’s dual goals of stable prices and full employment in conflict. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025 Rubbing underarm is selected as a target motion of robot because previous research suggests that this is the best way for making humans feel ticklish. — Erico Guizzo, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Oct. 2016 See All Example Sentences for ticklish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ticklish

Adjective

What to know about privacy Hospitals and doctors’ offices must follow codes of ethics and rules that protect sensitive patient health information and protect privacy, but AI is not bound by the same strict federal rules.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
State officials provided a version of the rolls but withheld sensitive personal information, citing privacy concerns.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Strickland said even getting equipment on the road during construction can be difficult for farmers.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
While following the money may be difficult, there are other signs of the growing role of organized crime in politics.

— Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Though the conflict is over four decades old, the subject is a touchy one whenever England and Argentina have taken the pitch for the last 40-plus years.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026
Still, the emotional tone could be slightly touchy this morning, especially around affection, validation and unreciprocated needs.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

Definition of touchy

Adjective

Just as Depp made to exit the stage, a haunting voice came over the speaker, eerily repeating the irritable man’s name.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 July 2026
Perelman said people who have weakened immune systems and those with irritable bowel disease may want to talk to their doctors before incorporating the foods into their diet.

— Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of irritable

Adjective

My mom was at least as complicated as my dad, in terms of gender, mental illness, depression.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2026
Trade grades are rarely straightforward, and this one is a little more complicated because the players lack lengthy track records.

— Chad Jennings, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of complicated

Adjective

And then an ignominious end to her Indian Wells title defense, which saw her cursing at the crowd after a tense, tetchy loss to Kateřina Siniaková in her second match.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 2 June 2026
In the first week of testimony, Musk took the stand and couldn’t help but get tetchy.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 20 May 2026

Definition of tetchy

Adjective

The affected vehicles, which were built between 2021 and 2026, feature a problematic wiring harness that increases the risk of engine fires.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Particulars matter Haiti observers warn that considering the country’s vexing history with electoral fraud, violence, problematic votes and post-election crises, the particulars of its electoral machinery do matter.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Definition of problematic

Browse Nearby Words

tickling

ticklish

tick (off)

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“Ticklish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ticklish. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ticklish

adjective

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