touch 1 of 2

Definition of touchnext
1
2
3
4
5
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

2
3
4
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
We’ve been honored to be a part of family celebrations and memorial services because our little store is a touchstone in a way that other places can’t touch. Gregg Olsen, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Leave-management software touches every state employment law, every HR stack, and some of the most sensitive moments in an employee's life. Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
The sensor will collect data for officiating purposes, such as last-touch out-of-bounds calls. Zach Powell, New York Times, 2 July 2026 The property pairs charming 20th-century features with more contemporary touches. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for touch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch
Verb
  • Its faith that people can rebuild their lives and start over feels almost radical today.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Not Cleaning Your Machine Another influencing factor on your towels’ absorbency is how often your washing machine itself is cleaned.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
  • Together, the findings reinforce how structured peer and leadership advisory environments can influence both strategic clarity and operational execution.
    William Jones, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • District Court Judge Tony Graf ordered measures to prevent the comments by Utah County prosecutor Christopher Ballard from tainting potential jurors should the case go to trial.
    Reuters, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • Attorneys on both sides have raised concerns that the misinformation and extensive media attention could taint the potential jury pool.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The family was joined by members of the Pennsylvania State Police.
    Joe Holden, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Below, meet the 12 Casa Amor men joining Love Island USA season 8.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
  • At least 383 buildings and over 1,000 other structures had collapsed or were heavily affected, and officials were still assessing the damage.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Rabies can also be transmitted through direct contact with brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal.
    Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Mysterio came back with a baseball slide into a splash on the outside.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Betts is making his splash at the plate again.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The company is selling highly customizable electric vehicles that come with few standard features, but plenty of optional add-ons.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Stars from Rowling's Harry Potter feature films have also criticized her stances, including Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on touch

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster