Thesaurus

touching

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of touching

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 having a border in common

touching lots in the housing development will eventually be separated by hedges for privacy

Synonyms for touching

Words Related to touching

Near Antonyms for touching

Antonyms for touching

2 having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies

a touching movie about two lost animals who try to find their way home

Synonyms for touching

Words Related to touching

cathartic

Near Antonyms for touching

deadpan

Antonyms for touching

touching

preposition

Synonyms of touching (Entry 2 of 3)

having to do with

there has been an objection touching the last of the proposed new bylaws

Synonyms for touching

Words Related to touching

over

Phrases Synonymous with touching

touching

verb

present participle of touch

Synonyms & Antonyms of touching (Entry 3 of 3)

1 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 for touching

feeling

Words Related to touching

palpating,
palping

2 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 for touching

Words Related to touching

inspiring,
stirring

Phrases Synonymous with touching

getting to

Near Antonyms for touching

underwhelming

3 to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable

unfortunately, his insufferable arrogance tends to touch even the good deeds that he does

Synonyms for touching

Words Related to touching

Near Antonyms for touching

4 to be adjacent to

our property touches theirs right where that big elm tree is

Synonyms for touching

Words Related to touching

5 to be the business or affair of

I don't think this decision touches you, so butt out

Synonyms for touching

Words Related to touching

Frequently Asked Questions About touching

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

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