affecting 1 of 3

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
De Fontenay’s affecting but frustrating film has its reasons for that distance. Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025 Rabab Khamis’ Recycling is one of the more affecting takes on this issue. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
The Latin America portfolio is the largest at NED, and the freeze has halted all programming, affecting journalists, civic activists, and human rights defenders. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025 Dandruff causes an itchy scalp and is sometimes considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition mainly affecting the scalp. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affecting
Adjective
  • Doyle, dressed in a black suit, looked emotional as he was brought into the courtroom from his cell, according to a PA Media reporter following proceedings.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
  • What To Know Dixon, who has lived in the U.S. for 50 years after arriving from the Philippines at age 14, was emotional following her release.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive architecture and a foundation dating back to the 13th century.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • There was nearly a fourth as well, though rookie Kristian Campbell was able to make an impressive backhanded grab in shallow right with his back to the infield in the bottom of the fourth.
    Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • The most moving moments of the program came from VOC Advisory Board member Zarah Meyer, who shared a heartfelt personal testimony alongside her 4-year-old daughter Rosie.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • These streams of immigration have long been the most moving aspect about the United States.
    Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Funny, sweet, and touching, this was the rare series that never lost its footing even early on.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • The ticket brought back a very strong and touching memory from his youth.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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