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
The 1990 Tim Burton classic stars a youthful Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder — then still a celebrity couple — in the touching story of an artificial man with blades for hands. — Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Their story is both touching and deeply relatable, reminding us how easily we can get caught up in our habits and lose sight of what matters most. — John Hopewell, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 Amy Grant shared a touching story from outside Dolly Parton's hospital room. — Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 From there, the episode can pivot into another touching surprise. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Oct. 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

See All Rhymes for touching

Browse Nearby Words

touchiness
touching
touchingly
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Cite this Entry

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