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
Michael is a fantastic actor, and those scenes between Howard and his mother were really touching. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025 The resulting image depicts a loose choreography—several children hold their ringed arms in front of them, fingertips touching—but the over-all impression is one of gleeful, expressive chaos. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Children should be taught to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a tissue, and to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 The video shows a middle-aged man putting his arm around Sheinbaum, touching her chest, and attempting to kiss her. Cassandra Garrison, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching
Adjective
  • Bryden is working to spread Cureate locations around her current home base of Northwest Arkansas into adjacent states.
    Cristina LaRue, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In a street vacation, the city agrees to relinquish a public right of way or public service easement to an adjacent property owner or owners.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Shouts for it will be met by angry fingers jutted towards the various gaffes played ad nauseam on Sky Sports’ weekly Ref Watch, or the mandatory pause before the emotional unleashing as VAR mulls over whether a goal is a goal or just a hoax.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But del Toro expands the emotional spectrum with forgiveness.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Preposition
  • Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • While the big luxury brands spent the pandemic and post-pandemic era driving up prices on shoppers who were sitting at home and looking to spend, the sector is now feeling the aftereffects with much shakier sales in a challenging consumer landscape.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Vionic Women’s Walk Max Sneaker These breathable mesh sneakers will keep your feet feeling cool, fresh, and secure with each stride.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This move highlights vulnerabilities in the technology supply chain, affecting automakers like Honda, which halted production at a Mexican factory.
    Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Another key finding of the study was that nearly all populations reached record levels of homelessness, affecting families with children, individuals, people staying in unsheltered or sheltered locations, and unaccompanied youth.
    Sophia Arndt, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Including playoffs, Mayfield turned the ball over more than anyone else from 2023 through 2024, marring an otherwise fantastic two seasons in Tampa Bay.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • An optional front rack on both models adds instant utility without marring the retro-fantastic looks.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ladd, Laura and Bruce also all have adjoining stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
  • His land holdings included a tobacco farm, orchards, a swampy area adjoining a creek, and his humble family home.
    James Powel, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Britney Spears returned to Instagram on Saturday, less than a week after the singer deactivated her account following a series of concerning posts on the social media site.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The Central Valley Flood Protection Board approved work concerning the lower American River this year.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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