touch 1 of 2

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as in to affect
to be the business or affair of I don't think this decision touches you, so butt out

Synonyms & Similar Words

touch

2 of 2

noun

1
as in contact
the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation everyone promised to keep in touch over the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something a touch of irritation tinged his voice as the candidate fielded yet another question about his personal finances

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb touch differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of touch are affect, impress, influence, strike, and sway. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

When can affect be used instead of touch?

The words affect and touch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

Where would impress be a reasonable alternative to touch?

The meanings of impress and touch largely overlap; however, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When could influence be used to replace touch?

The synonyms influence and touch are sometimes interchangeable, but influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

When is strike a more appropriate choice than touch?

While in some cases nearly identical to touch, strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

When is it sensible to use sway instead of touch?

Although the words sway and touch have much in common, sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

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 touch
Verb
The doc opens with a perfunctory overview of the artist’s early life, touching briefly on his childhood in Chicago and how the church introduced him to and shaped his musical style. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025 Another employee touched cheese in water to check its temperature, rather than using a thermometer. Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
Rattan furniture adds a coastal touch to any outdoor space, even when there’s no beach in sight. Clint Davis, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025 The blackboard stands as the only one of its kind to be known in the world which has both Albert Einstein's scientific notations and signature, a personal touch from one of the greatest minds in history. Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch
Verb
  • The plan is to go clubbing, and right away things start to feel dodgy.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The second goal solidified it for anyone who didn’t yet feel the tide shifting.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Cultivate a critical understanding of how AI is influencing your life.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The descendants of enslaved Africans have influenced everything from the food to the crafts of the Lowcountry.
    Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The movement also was tainted by instances of rampant antisemitism, which Khalil disavowed.
    Chelsea Bailey, Gloria Pazmino and Taylor Galgano, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The plaintiffs argue the rhetoric has tainted the policy-making process.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In November 2025, Disney Treasure will be joined by her sister ship, Disney Destiny, which will set sail on four- and five- night cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale for her inaugural season.
    Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Clothier said 20 to 30 judges across the state who heard about the car wash planned to join him and the shoplifters.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This power shift comes at the direct expense of the collar counties — DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will — leaving suburban residents with little say over policies that affect their daily commutes and wallets.
    Seth Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
  • His footwork, his mindset, and he’s not affected by having one bad play.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Amun had no contact with her parents for more than a year, leading Dominique to speak with WSB last week and plead for her daughter’s safe return.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Stay in contact, show genuine appreciation and look for ways to support others.
    Jean-Marc Chanoine, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Chiefs have made some smaller moves to shore up the offensive line and secondary but could make a big splash in the draft by adding an exciting receiver prospect.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
  • What this means: The Bears didn’t wait long to make a big splash in the free-agency waters, zeroing in on the top available center and reaching a deal in the first half-hour of the NFL’s negotiating window.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Mark Anthony Green's feature debut opens on a heady scene with an audience intoxicated by the rhythmic melody of a figure on stage.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • King’s 1981 book was first adapted for the screen in the 1983 feature film of the same name, directed by Lewis Teague and starring Dee Wallace, Daniel Hugh Kelly and Danny Pintauro.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Touch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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