TOUCHY-FEELY Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

touchy-feely

adjective

ˌtə-chē-ˈfē-lē

Definition of touchy-feely

as in emotional

showing feeling freely she is too touchy-feely and he is too stiff-upper-lip for their relationship to ever work out

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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 touchy-feely If that strikes you as twee or downright silly, Olivia Newman‘s touchy-feely weepie is not on your wavelength. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 May 2026 That’s in contrast with Andrew’s lexicon of touchy-feely claptrap, all seemingly declarations of support and empathy but, ultimately, hollow. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 Hereafter is ultimately too touchy-feely for its own good — too awed by its modest musings on the mystery of being alive — and the film suggests Damon isn’t so great at playing characters with a mystical bent. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026 Nearly a year after the duo went viral for their hilariously meme-able finger-holding moment, the Eternal Sunshine artist is addressing the fact that the costars have a very touchy-feely friendship. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchy-feely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchy-feely

Adjective

The history between these men is more noxious than your garden-variety case of paternal neglect — there’s been emotional and physical abuse.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
That’s not because Crystal soft-pedals the emotional horror of returning to your home to find charred remains after watching, helpless, as flames took the locus of all your best memories.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of emotional

Adjective

Motherhood may not have been her calling, but Sabrina Popo was a loving and affectionate grandmother.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Despite their stunning ensembles, their most important accessory was their obvious connection, shown through affectionate hugs, smiles, knowing glances, and mutual support.

— Alessia Amorosini, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of affectionate

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touchy

touchy-feely

tough

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“Touchy-feely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchy-feely. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of touchy-feely

adjective

Example Sentences

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