affecting 1 of 3

Definition of affectingnext

affecting

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of affect

affecting

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of affect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affecting distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of affecting are impressive, moving, pathetic, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When might impressive be a better fit than affecting?

The synonyms impressive and affecting are sometimes interchangeable, but impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When is it sensible to use moving instead of affecting?

Although the words moving and affecting have much in common, moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When could pathetic be used to replace affecting?

While the synonyms pathetic and affecting are close in meaning, pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

When is poignant a more appropriate choice than affecting?

The meanings of poignant and affecting largely overlap; however, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

When would touching be a good substitute for affecting?

In some situations, the words touching and affecting are roughly equivalent. However, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 affecting
Adjective
Young actor Owen Cooper makes a brilliant Emmy-winning debut as Jamie, and the scenes between him and his therapist (Erin Doherty) in episode 3 are some of the most affecting examples of storytelling in recent history. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026 Through binoculars or a telescope, the view of the eclipsed moon becomes something much more affecting. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
Residents and activists in several areas reported restrictions on independent donation drives, permit requirements and bottlenecks affecting volunteer convoys heading toward disaster zones. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 Harry Styles’ brief but jarring collapse during his London performance this weekend was not a result of the heatwave affecting Europe, but choking. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affecting
Adjective
  • Contreras, meanwhile, entered Tuesday's game after an emotional stretch.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The Federal Reserve's recent hawkish stance, holding rates and projecting potential hikes, sets a crucial backdrop, influencing various asset classes.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Brands must shift from convincing human shoppers to influencing the algorithmic data signals that autonomous agents use to make purchasing decisions, the report noted.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • But even these preliminary findings are concerning, experts said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • The state averages about eight unprovoked bites each year, according to the FWC, which runs a statewide program to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • This has become increasingly difficult, with professional players routinely simulating injuries and an offside rule that is interpreted to within fractions of an inch.
    Eric Zillmer, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
  • My research focused on simulating how special light waves interact in liquid crystals and using simple equations to approximate and understand those interactions.
    Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • This could easily be the premise of a new Netflix horror show — an episode of Black Mirror, say, or maybe something haunting from Ryan Murphy.
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026
  • And while their mutual threat is still out there, Chiarella concludes their haunting love story on a more hopeful note.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rooms frame garden and water views through floor-to-ceiling windows, with wraparound balconies in Sea Suites facing Istanbul’s impressive skyline.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
  • So, even more impressive to me is the way these grills can hold hot flames stable.
    Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, turbulence is getting more frequent and severe, which is impacting flights in a variety of ways.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • From riding on attractions and experiencing cruise excursions, to sitting on furniture or even drinking a glass of milk with breakfast, Disney is highlighting and impacting small businesses in a big way.
    Megan duBois, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Lalas also had an interesting post on X involving Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, which was invoked by many after seeing what happened to Balogun.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • The men, ranging in age from 20 to 54, were arrested in a joint operation involving the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, the Human Trafficking Task Force, the City of Miami Police Department, and Homeland Security.
    Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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