1
as in to feel
to come into bodily contact with (something) so as to perceive a slight pressure on the skin
be careful not to touch this pan—it's still hot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to influence
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response
your speech on the true meaning of patriotism touched me deeply
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to taint
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
unfortunately, his insufferable arrogance tends to touch even the good deeds that he does
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to join
to be adjacent to
our property touches theirs right where that big elm tree is
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
as in splash
a very small amount
added just a touch of parsley to the dish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in feature
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
each designer has his or her own personal touches
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of touch
Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Economists and health‑policy experts counter that even aggressive savings in prescription drugs and billing reform would only touch part of what is driving a $38 trillion debt built on structural deficits, rising interest costs and political gridlock.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Many still view them as out of touch, too socially liberal and lacking an understanding of how bread-and-butter economic issues affect ordinary Americans.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for touch
Verb
In the touching clip, the pair embraced each other while gazing at a sunny, scenic view.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Economists and health‑policy experts counter that even aggressive savings in prescription drugs and billing reform would only touch part of what is driving a $38 trillion debt built on structural deficits, rising interest costs and political gridlock.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
Cremini mushrooms and fresh thyme add their delicate touch to a hunger-satisfying, creamy dish.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Many still view them as out of touch, too socially liberal and lacking an understanding of how bread-and-butter economic issues affect ordinary Americans.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for touch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch
Verb
-
And among the less conversationally direct, the topic often seems to lurk on the fringes as locals in other countries try to more delicately approach politics and discern how US travelers feel about what’s going on at home.—
Terry Ward,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Specific details of conversations remain unclear, but the meeting suggests that Comcast feels that there is still a path forward for a deal, in spite of concerns — aired in the press — about the likelihood of regulatory troubles in the US.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Aesthetics may also be influencing the approach to the work triangle.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Participants were generally healthy in midlife, with low rates of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, which may have influenced the positive outcomes.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Lawyers also argued the conviction should be overturned because the verdict was tainted by the media attention and due to faulty instructions to the jury.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Just as one bite of a cookie might not happen to contain chocolate chips, one small sample of drugs might not include fentanyl even if the larger supply is tainted, the agency’s website explains.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Jim Harbaugh also discounted any notion that his brother would join him with the Chargers in any capacity.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Warren joins former Boise State wide receivers coach Matt Miller and safeties coach Tyler Stockton in departing the program in recent days.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
But law enforcement experts told CNN the dragging incident last summer could have affected his decision-making – though how such an experience impacts law enforcement varies from officer to officer.—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The redshirt sophomore slowed up to force contact with a trailing Ewin near midcourt and later flung his body on Ewin’s screen for an offensive whistle.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Since then, reports of atrocities have emerged from the city, with a communications blackout rendering contact with the outside world almost impossible.—
Guy Davies,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Atlas is also built to withstand harsh conditions, operating reliably in temperatures from -4°F to 104°F, and is waterproofed to protect it from splashes on factory floors.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
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The first round of the International Tennis Federation’s W35 tournament, played on a clay court in Nairobi, Kenya, wouldn’t normally make much of a splash in the tennis world, but millions of people have now seen what transpired over 37 excruciating minutes in the capital.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This is not always the case, however, as rates, service quality, and coverage features often vary widely.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Of the 14 teams that qualified for the playoffs, eight feature a player with Idaho ties on their roster.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Touch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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