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

Relevance

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

Those could include remote sensors, autonomous underwater vehicles and other equipment that requires persistent, low-visibility power in remote and sensitive offshore and coastal environments, as well as power resiliency for forward military bases.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Musk’s officials infiltrated department after department, canceling contracts, firing employees, viewing sensitive data, and kneecapping programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as foreign aid.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

The California Board of Pharmacy in 2025 reversed course on regulations that would have made the supplement more difficult to acquire after pushback from some firefighters.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Striking out on her own was a difficult transition, but embracing her solitude gave her the space to learn more about herself and make her own personal decisions, such as getting her cat or making meals of her choosing.

— Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

The war, and in particular Iran’s direct targeting of the Gulf, makes this approach a tough pill to swallow.

— Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
The conversation shifted from tougher ordinances toward resource allocation and investing in third spaces, which are places outside of work, school or home.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

The presence of Luca Guadagnino’s name in the credits as a producer and Monica Bellucci’s entertaining but all-too-scant turn as the main character’s tetchy mother may attract offshore interest, especially among streamers in need of fresh content.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of tetchy

Adjective

Some 400 firefighters have been battling the blaze, aided by helicopters flying overnight, officials said, but high winds had complicated efforts to contain it.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
But deciding what to do with that money has become more complicated because cash itself is once again producing a meaningful return.

— Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of complicated

Adjective

How skipping breakfast affects kids at school Nemours KidsHealth reports that kids who miss the morning meal often feel tired, restless or irritable by midmorning.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
Skipping meals can negatively affect blood sugar levels and leave you feeling hungry, irritable, and unable to pay attention.

— Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritable

Adjective

Medical uses Buprenorphine’s principal use is in the treatment of OUD, a chronic condition characterized by problematic opioid use despite harmful consequences.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
The Fire Center said in its update that those conditions could be problematic for firefighters.

— Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 26 Aug. 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ticklish

adjective

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