touching

1 of 3

adjective

touch·​ing ˈtə-chiŋ How to pronounce touching (audio)
Synonyms of touchingnext
: capable of arousing emotions of tenderness or compassion
touchingly adverb

touching

2 of 3

preposition

: in reference to : concerning

touching

3 of 3

present participle of touch entry 1

Synonyms of touching

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Adjective

Preposition

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Choose the Right Synonym for touching

moving, impressive, poignant, affecting, touching, pathetic mean having the power to produce deep emotion.

moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Examples of touching in a Sentence

Adjective touching lots in the housing development will eventually be separated by hedges for privacy a touching movie about two lost animals who try to find their way home Preposition there has been an objection touching the last of the proposed new bylaws
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Taylor Swift shared a touching tribute to the late Dolly Parton after the iconic singer-songwriter’s death on Tuesday. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 One of the most touching tributes came from her longtime peer Linda Ronstadt. — Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin remembered their 9 to 5 co-star and longtime friend Dolly Parton in a touching tribute after the prolific performer died Tuesday at the age of 80. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 In 2021, Kristen Stewart embodied Diana in Pablo Larraín’s touching biopic, Spencer. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for touching

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of touching was in the 14th century

Rhymes for touching

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Browse Nearby Words

touchiness
touching
touchingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Touching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touching. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

touching

adjective
touch·​ing
ˈtəch-iŋ
: causing a feeling of tenderness or pity
a touching story
touchingly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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