touching 1 of 3

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touching

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preposition

touching

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verb

present participle of touch
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word touching distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of touching are affecting, impressive, moving, pathetic, and poignant. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

How are the words affecting and moving related as synonyms of touching?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When could impressive be used to replace touching?

While the synonyms impressive and touching are close in meaning, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When might moving be a better fit than touching?

The words moving and touching can be used in similar contexts, but moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When can pathetic be used instead of touching?

The meanings of pathetic and touching largely overlap; however, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Where would poignant be a reasonable alternative to touching?

In some situations, the words poignant and touching are roughly equivalent. However, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

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 touching
Adjective
The beauty of 200 or so artists simultaneously dream-chasing along the same block—battle-rapping while two rival pit bulls on chains stare each other down—is a touching annual reminder that the grind never sleeps. Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Bezos and Sánchez’s bash included a performance by Jewel and a touching speech by the groom-to-be. Ariana Quihuiz, People.com, 24 June 2025 Following one shipboard spat, Whittle agreed to a duel with his challenger upon touching land, though the pair never followed through. Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025 Sending them a handwritten letter with congratulations can be very, very touching. Nancy Marshall, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for touching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching
Adjective
  • Just outside the hotel’s tranquil walls, guests will find a vibrant neighborhood teeming with restaurants, bars and cafés, as well as the Museum of Ancient Art adjacent to the hotel.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Where once ambiguity clouded the path into adjacent markets, leaders can now harness AI to identify hidden patterns, predict category demand, and test new offerings with precision.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cortisol rises during times of emotional or physical stress.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 5 July 2025
  • Jackson added that his studio helps people clear their mental and emotional vessels through yoga and meditation, aiding in stress management and overall well-being.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 5 July 2025
Preposition
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This helps your healthcare provider check for infections, kidney problems, or other issues affecting your bladder and urinary tract.
    Sayaka Blickenderfer, PhD, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
  • This helps your healthcare provider check for infections, kidney problems, or other issues affecting your bladder and urinary tract.
    Sayaka Blickenderfer, PhD, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The All-American scored nine goals and added eight assists while registering an impressive 80-percent faceoff winning percentage.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
  • Banchero and Wagner don’t want to merely record impressive scoring marks.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Collins is the third TCU player to enter the portal joining Vasean Allette and Isaiah Manning.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Tesla plans to launch a ride-hail service in Austin around June, joining Amazon’s (AMZN) Zoox and Waymo — among others — in the city.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The adjoining rooms house showers and hydrotherapy pools, with a sole TV hanging from the wall of the latter.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • Local officials urged all residents near the Guadalupe River and adjoining creeks to seek higher ground pending further notice.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • As Jimmy Lennox, a musician carrying a torch for Susan Sarandon's Louise, Madsen got to do some of the most moving and mercurial work of his career.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 July 2025
  • On June 18, The Baltimore Sun published a very moving and poignant editorial cartoon showing a picture of Minnesota with the state’s eastern border as the silhouette of a weeping Uncle Sam.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on touching

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