touch 1 of 2

Definition of touchnext
1
2
3
4
5
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
3
4
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
They haven’t been touched in this way. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 June 2026 In this attack on our LGBTQ community, 90% of those lives were also Latino, lived or touched by Spanish. Rev. José Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Noun
Your diplomatic touch keeps the tone kind, and clear agreements reduce overthinking so cooperation becomes easier consistently for everyone involved. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 Loren Stewart’s shell necklace adds a touch of summer, while Khaite’s python-effect shoulder bag is a seasonless star. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for touch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch
Verb
  • In his almost but not quite valedictory acceptance speech, the 80-year-old Lithgow acknowledged that this Tony win, his third, comes 53 years after his first — and feels every bit as satisfying.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Is this what Armand feels like all the time?
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • But Steyer may have hit a ceiling in the amount his ads could influence voter behavior.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Several factors can influence a man’s likelihood of developing the potentially deadly disease, including age, a family history of breast cancer and being overweight, the CDC says.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • The left no longer believes that immigrants of diverse backgrounds should assimilate themselves into a national culture tainted by white supremacy, while the right views immigrants’ very presence in the country as a threat to that same national culture.
    Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
  • That’s been an idiotic trope for too long — that participating in the business side of it taints you.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Nithya Raman is advancing to the November election for Los Angeles mayor, according to projections by NBC News and the Associated Press, setting up a matchup between the progressive city councilmember who joined the race at the last minute and an incumbent mayor.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • What’s more, Korda is only the second American in the past 10 years to win the Open, joining former USC standout Allisen Corpuz, who won at Pebble Beach in 2023.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
  • On March 1 of this year, the Qatari soccer federation postponed all matches during the ongoing war between Israel and Iran while other sporting events in the region were also affected.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • But Clark drew contact in the lane, giving herself two free throws to give the Fever back the lead.
    Ian Miller, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
  • That practice has carried over to the game, where Castle has scored 18 points in the first half, on 7-of-8 shooting from the field, several of which have come through contact.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • From catching perfect waves to windsurfing at El Medano, along with year-round scuba diving at sites like La Catedralkay and aking in Los Gigantes, Tenerife is the prime destination for travelers looking to make a splash during their trip.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • Marble makes quite the splash in this midcentury Houston home from Mary Patton Design.
    Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • For families While this is not a property that leads as family friendly, there are some key features of Equinox Hotel that make the property a nice option for families.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
  • In 1919, the Scotts Bluff National Monument was established by presidential proclamation, preserving more than 3,000 acres of land deemed important for both its geological features and human history.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Touch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on touch

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster