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.

But then Johnson pivoted to corruption, a touchy subject in Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

One touchy subject he doesn’t evade: the push for racial diversity in orchestras.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

"He captures Dylan's craning stance and the way he used hair and sunglasses as a mask, the insistent buzz and keen of his speaking and singing voice and the odd, touchy, insularity."

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2024

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

From Slate • Aug. 19, 2024

I was touchy when I came into his office, but he pretended not to notice.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

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!