touch 1 of 2

Definition of touchnext
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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

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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

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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

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
Officers had written in a search warrant that doorbell video showed the man who shot Watson touching the railing. Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026 On the topic of the current state of the industry, Feig touched on the future — or end — of the Hollywood mega-deal. Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
These intimate events encourage creativity, personal touches, and authentic connections with the people who matter most. Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026 Add a garden-fresh touch to your bedroom with this elegant Laura Ashley quilt. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for touch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch
Verb
  • While the situation may feel serious, Lipsher stressed that preparation is about staying ahead of the problem, not panicking.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Consider the chain of contingencies that had to align, and the child’s existence can feel like a miracle.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Our gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria that influence digestion, immunity and overall health.
    LeeAnn Weintraub, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Powell rebuked the investigation in a video message in January as a politically motivated effort to influence the Fed's interest rate policy.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Snyder expressed concern that such automation would taint the company’s efforts to sustain its in-person customer service and fresh food.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • And yet, for years, the air has been tainted.
    Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • They were joined by Sonya Pankey, the eldest granddaughter of Robinson and the executive vice president of brand development for the Jackie Robinson Estate, who presented the jerseys.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • That was the case in 2023 when Local 99 workers went on strike and teachers joined them for three days.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Smart compares its scope to WannaCry, the high-profile global ransomware attack that affected more than 200,000 computers in 2017.
    Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Certain graphics on this page may be affected by ad-blocking software.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Illustrations by Thomas Merceron Even glancing contact between a passenger car and a semi truck is often enough to send the smaller vehicle pinwheeling across the highway.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Ratcliffe asked whether the whistleblower had disclosed prior contact with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Another guy who drew a lot of attention during the season (and throughout his career as a splash player) was Oklahoma edge R Mason Thomas.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • If all goes according to plan, its protective heat shield and a sequence of massive parachutes will ensure that the capsule—and the four astronauts inside—will land with a gentle splash in the Pacific Ocean at a leisurely 17 miles per hour.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Gemini in Chrome is rolling out a new feature called Skills to save and reuse your favorite prompts.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Directed by Joshua Bailey in his feature directorial debut, the 74-minute documentary follows the history of urban exploration around Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and the people who break into closed or closing attractions around the park to document the infrastructure.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Touch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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