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touching 1 of 3

Definition of touchingnext
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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 Collected as reference, tour, and, as bonus, touching document of the depths of poetic friendships. Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026 Monsters are vanquished, vessels become heroes, and there is so much forehead touching, both sinister and romantic. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
Zack Scrivner, a former Kern County supervisor, was charged with felony child abuse in February after he was accused of inappropriately touching one of his children in 2024. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026 The index was last seen trading at an all-time high, while Spain's IBEX 35 also rose to a record high in early trade after touching on a record price in the previous session. Chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for touching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching
Adjective
  • The original diamond—built specifically for the 1989 movie using two adjoining farms and preserved exactly as seen on screen—remains the heart of the attraction, but a sparkling new pro ballpark and adjacent museum are set to open by mid-June.
    Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Midwest Living, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Its strikingly unusual forms might have risen from the ooze of the adjacent La Brea Tar Pits.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That increase has come with a financial strain and emotional stress for families across the country and in North Carolina.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Her relationship with Kerr hits several bumps, giving Blunt the chance to showcase her emotional range in tense scenes.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
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
  • The Whiteroom + Cactus Contrast Waist Satin Trousers will elevate any knit while secretly feeling like pajamas, thanks to their drapey fit and drawstring waistband.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
  • At one point, the actress became hyper-focused on social media posts after feeling detached from the group.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Both types of flour should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent moisture and pests from affecting the flour.
    Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Heavy snow has been affecting Washington since earlier this week, with the biggest accumulations reported on mountains, according to the National Weather Service field office in Seattle.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
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
  • But the town adjoining the base, Delta Junction, is small (with a 2020 population of 918) and has only a handful of food stores and restaurants.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Members can also take advantage of the family program and book adjoining rooms at half price.
    Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • At a minimum, the investigation should be conducted swiftly, and Maryland residents should be informed of accountability steps taken to address these concerning allegations.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
  • His daughter then explained Tate's content to him, leading Graham to find the influencer's reach particularly concerning, given that Tate is also under multiple investigations for human trafficking and rape.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on touching

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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