moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.
a moving appeal for contributions
impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.
an impressive list of achievements
poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.
a poignant documentary on the homeless
affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.
an affecting deathbed reunion
touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.
the touching innocence in a child's eyes
pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.
pathetic attempts to justify misconduct
Example Sentences
He begins his book with an affecting description of his difficult childhood. the affecting final scene in the play, when the children are reunited with their father
Recent Examples on the WebThe most affecting quality of his rebirth is the determined restoration of his sense of goodness. Sam Sacks, WSJ, 26 Aug. 2022 This part of the film is the least sumptuous and grandiose — and the most affecting. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Aug. 2022 That scene, with the futuristic 1964 World’s Fair structures looming in the background, is among the movie’s most affecting moments, showing Hopkins’ consummate skill at conveying a deep emotional well with impeccable restraint. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 May 2022 For Audain, the most affecting stories are those that end with drownings in the Rio Grande. Scott Dalton, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 July 2022 Echoing the structure of a shooter game, this chapter is also improbably among the novel’s most affecting sections, a moving demonstration of the blended power of fiction and gaming. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 28 June 2022 Speaking of allies, the involvement of Mark Ruffalo and Marisa Tomei as executive producers should help to propel the film, but regardless, Short Bull and Tomaselli have made an affecting and timely chronicle. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 June 2022 But interestingly, the most affecting moments aren’t necessarily the dramatic epiphanic turning points. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 May 2022 That makes the dark conclusion all the more affecting. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Apr. 2022 See More