touch 1 of 2

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2
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as in to affect
to be the business or affair of I don't think this decision touches you, so butt out

Synonyms & Similar Words

touch

2 of 2

noun

1
as in contact
the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation everyone promised to keep in touch over the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
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as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something a touch of irritation tinged his voice as the candidate fielded yet another question about his personal finances

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb touch differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of touch are affect, impress, influence, strike, and sway. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

When can affect be used instead of touch?

The words affect and touch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

Where would impress be a reasonable alternative to touch?

The meanings of impress and touch largely overlap; however, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When could influence be used to replace touch?

The synonyms influence and touch are sometimes interchangeable, but influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

When is strike a more appropriate choice than touch?

While in some cases nearly identical to touch, strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

When is it sensible to use sway instead of touch?

Although the words sway and touch have much in common, sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

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 touch
Verb
White kids will touch your hair at school. Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2025 Ella’s story is touching yet sadly not unique. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
The fisherman knit adds a classic touch, while the zipper neckline and slightly oversized fit make layering simple. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025 She was given bangs—cut by her hairstylist, Tym Wallace—which were a touch longer than a traditional mod cut, showcasing her eye makeup beautifully. Essence, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch
Verb
  • The shortages have impacted 911 call response times and have left officers feeling burdened and overworked, often having to sacrifice personal time to cover events and political rallies, Redford has said in previous interviews with The Charlotte Observer.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • His business is now on track for its first $100,000 year, a milestone that once felt unimaginable.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Solvay tried to influence the EPA over the drinking water limit the agency set for PFNA and other chemicals in the class, according to lobbying records.
    Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
  • And people just like deer, Caudell said, which also influences the population size the DNR manages toward.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the end, when Malcolm pulls out a sword on him, Brian is given little choice but to kill Malcolm in front of Ellen in the ensuing battle, tainting the start of the happy couple’s life together.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Suddenly, my spotless record was tainted.
    Joe Garcia, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now two people who once served at Defending Education have been named to posts in the Education Department, and leaders from Moms for Liberty have joined McMahon for roundtables and other official events.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Williams then attended a reception in which current football coach Lance Leipold joined emcee Greg Gurley and approximately 200 well-wishers at a gathering to honor Williams.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cutting federal funding In a move that affects public school students across the country, the department has slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding for a variety of programs, including for mental health professionals and for training and supporting new teachers.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Financial issues were also affecting other Catholic schools, and the diocese was studying how to reverse the trend.
    Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Some never lost contact with Erik and Lyle, while others took years to come to terms with their crime.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • All but the Red Wings changed coaches, with the Rangers making the biggest splash by hiring Mike Sullivan, a two-time Cup coach with the Penguins and bench boss for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The moss brings a splash of color that maintains a sophisticated and minimalist quality, while keeping a space from becoming whitewashed.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In Monica Hooper is an award-winning features writer specializing in entertainment news for Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Security Camera Deals The Arlo Pro 5S 2K is currently at a 46% discount, which makes its premium features feel like a much better buy.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Touch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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