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
  • That tension, both emotional and class-based, gave the film a new dynamic.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • Lawrence — mother to two children now — was visibly emotional talking about working with Ramsay on the subject matter.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Smartphone Deals The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a lightweight, compact, beautifully designed foldable smartphone featuring impressive hardware, AI capabilities, and a bright, large screen perfect for watching videos and multitasking.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • Throughout the past three seasons, the show has also boasted an impressive roster of A-list guest stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Joel McHale, John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter, Olivia Colman, Sarah Paulson, Molly Ringwald, John Cena and Josh Hartnett.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • These streams of immigration have long been the most moving aspect about the United States.
    Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • For me though, the most moving moment comes early, when Cassian is preparing to steal the fighter with the help of an insider at the Empire’s test facility.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 23 Apr. 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 2 Jun. 2025.

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