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Synonym Chooser

How is the word affable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to affable?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When can genial be used instead of affable?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When would gracious be a good substitute for affable?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

In what contexts can sociable take the place of affable?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

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 affable As the violence escalates, the more affable Ray and the more emotionally brittle Manny see their friendship and sanity tested, setting off an explosive chain of reckless events. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025 An affable, mustachioed former real-estate developer, Haigler joined the group after meeting some Black scuba divers at a wedding. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Robinson is an affable type, quick with a smile in a good conversation and thoughtful with his answers in a post-match mixed zone. The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 Lemmon’s the affable, inoffensive host for the evening. Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • There's also the chance that costs rise for items unaffected by tariffs.
    Emily Peck, Axios, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Waiting and seeing Some businesses are still in wait-and-see mode, pushing ahead with hiring plans because many of their customers appear unaffected by the charges.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The press conference had a very gracious tone on the U.S. relationship.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Clara’s Table restaurant is Dearborn Inn’s tribute to Henry Ford’s wife, Clara, a passionate horticulturist and gracious hostess.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Planting a pollinator garden with milkweed (the only plant the butterflies will lay eggs on) and nectar-producing plants (for eating) can provide a hospitable habitat for migrating monarchs.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Furthermore, a focused approach to marketing Elgin as a hospitable destination for investment could yield substantial long-term benefits.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Pair it with sandals and sneakers for a casual outing, or zhuzh it up with wedges or flats for a more formal occasion.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • These gorgeous serving spoons, with a stainless-steel base and bronze finish, are perfect for casual entertaining—and are completely dishwasher safe.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some images are pleasant, while others are painful and heart-wrenching to produce.
    The Pham, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Exploring ancient hot spots like Delphi, ancient Epidaurus, and Olympia on foot is much more pleasant in spring temperatures averaging from the 60s to the high 70s.
    Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Thursday’s Night 1 turned out to be kind of a sleepy affair for Dead & Co., as the band just sort of glided its way through most of the songs and kept things relatively mellow.
    Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • In brief, high-rye bourbons are typically spicier, drier, and more complex, while lower-rye bourbons tend to be sweeter and mellow.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That seems off: Frank Beamer was the nice coach, who never seemed to get in people’s faces.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Oatmeal bath: Soaking in a cool bath that contains colloidal oatmeal, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can also feel nice, Dr. Miller says.
    Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As with the chilled shrimp, the food follows a principle of easygoing elegance.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Reporting Highlights Sinister Influence: An easygoing DJ led a dual life as an online propagandist for white supremacist hate and, prosecutors say, inspired followers to kill LGBTQ+ people and people of color.
    James Bandler, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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