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Synonyms

ticklish

American  
[tik-lish] / ˈtɪk lɪʃ /

adjective

  1. sensitive to tickling.

  2. requiring careful or delicate handling or action; difficult or risky; dicey.

    a ticklish situation.

  3. extremely sensitive; touchy.

    He is ticklish about being interrupted.

  4. unstable or easily upset, as a boat; unsteady.


ticklish British  
/ ˈtɪklɪʃ /

adjective

  1. susceptible and sensitive to being tickled

  2. delicate or difficult

    a ticklish situation

  3. easily upset or offended

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • ticklishly adverb
  • ticklishness noun

Etymology

Origin of ticklish

First recorded in 1575–85; tickle + -ish 1

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.

If he can’t bowl at all, then England have the ticklish decision of whether to drop a batter or bowler.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2024

The job drought is a ticklish problem for the ruling Communist Party, which is overseeing a sluggish post-pandemic economic recovery worsened by a downturn in the property market.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

There’s a ticklish note of meta-pleasure to Blanchett’s performance: She may be playing the role of the conductor with impeccable poise, but so, of course, is Lydia herself.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 2022

There’s a crooked face composed of peas, peppers and a lone olive atop the causa de pollo, a carefully layered mashed-potato cake stuffed with chicken salad, so creamy and ticklish.

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2021

“Well, for example,” Max said, “was he ticklish or not?”

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman