Definitions

touchy

[tuhch-ee] / ˈtʌtʃ i /

ADJECTIVE

easily offended

Synonyms

STRONGEST

delicate dicey hypersensitive jumpy precarious risky sensitive testy ticklish tricky uptight volatile

WEAK

bad-tempered bundle of nerves cantankerous captious choleric crabbed cranky cross grouchy grumpy hazardous irascible irritable mean ornery oversensitive peevish perturbable pettish petulant querulous quick-tempered splenetic surly temperamental thin-skinned unpredictable unsafe wired up wound-up

Antonyms

STRONG

calm collected easy easygoing insensitive laid-back unflappable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Raman, who had endorsed Bass’ reelection before throwing her hat in at the last minute, came off as inexperienced, touchy and unprepared.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Instead, she at first finds Mr. Hamm’s “Mad Men” costar, a touchy John Slattery, living out of his garage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

In most touchy situations where she’s called the play, the numbers moved because people trusted her instincts.

From Slate • Aug. 19, 2024

“With AI in videos it’s harder to know if someone’s original artwork has been stolen, it’s a really touchy subject”.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024

He was a handsome man who had a great deal of money but was not “society” and was overly aware of it and very touchy about it.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara

Vocabulary lists containing touchy

The Catcher in the Rye

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Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

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The Battle of the Labyrinth

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!