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
One of the most affecting posts was a picture of a small garbage bag-like plastic bag that contains a baby’s body. Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 For the picture-seeking visitor, however, the most affecting changes are quieter. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 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
  • Cortisol rises during times of emotional or physical stress.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 5 July 2025
  • Jackson added that his studio helps people clear their mental and emotional vessels through yoga and meditation, aiding in stress management and overall well-being.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Both have been lauded for their dedication and impressive in-ring performances, with Logan Paul currently reigning as the United States Champion.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • This hybrid drivetrain delivers a total of 437 hp and an impressive 583 pound-feet torque.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • As Jimmy Lennox, a musician carrying a torch for Susan Sarandon's Louise, Madsen got to do some of the most moving and mercurial work of his career.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 July 2025
  • On June 18, The Baltimore Sun published a very moving and poignant editorial cartoon showing a picture of Minnesota with the state’s eastern border as the silhouette of a weeping Uncle Sam.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • While Judge has kept his personal life out of the spotlight, the reigning MVP has opened up more since becoming a dad, occasionally sharing touching moments and meaningful reflections on fatherhood.
    Nasha Smith, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • Released last year, On The Mountain is a touching production set against the backdrop of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affecting. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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