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Synonym Chooser

How is the word affection distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of affection are emotion, feeling, passion, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How are the words emotion and feeling related as synonyms of affection?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When is feeling a more appropriate choice than affection?

Although the words feeling and affection have much in common, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

In what contexts can passion take the place of affection?

The meanings of passion and affection largely overlap; however, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When would sentiment be a good substitute for affection?

In some situations, the words sentiment and affection are roughly equivalent. However, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

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 affection The weaving in-and-out of affection, dependency, confusion and fear is not accidental. Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025 On the other hand, any fleeting gesture of affection or vulnerability — like Chandan standing in Shoaib’s path during an Islamophobic assault — makes love practically radiate through the screen. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 May 2025 Some observers suggested the three Gulf countries were competing with one another for Trump’s affection. Natasha Turak, CNBC, 16 May 2025 In the video, The Voice season 9 singer is visibly surprised and emotional as Norris continues with his display of affection for her. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for affection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affection
Noun
  • Comments beneath the post were sincere and heartfelt, with over 18,000 people sharing their love for the lab and thanking her family for brightening their days.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • People on campus, in Connecticut and beyond, started falling in love with him.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • This field includes liquid biopsy, referring to techniques that process bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and saliva for different disease biomarkers.
    Cat Wang, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The Mayo Clinic says the disease is most often diagnosed when people are in their mid-60s.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.
    Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • From engaging with the rich tradition of equestrian fashion to exploring the nuanced world of Kentucky bourbon and even discovering the unique characteristics of Icelandic horses, Shelby County offers visitors an enriching few days in the Blue Grass State.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Now, my devotion continues with her newest, Swept Away — a love story about two strangers who get stranded at sea together on a houseboat.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Elias may have to shake off his devotion to metrics and get back to signing people who can play baseball and stay healthy for the entire season.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • With this move, the FDA will limit the vaccine’s availability later this year to older adults and those who may be at risk of severe illness, Reuters reported.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Most people recover without treatment, however, in rare circumstances, infection can produce more severe illness and require hospitalization.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, the Bank of Japan’s inclination to tighten its monetary policy, which collides with the Asian nation’s fiscal woes, also have a hand in fueling the bond sell-off, said Varathan.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 May 2025
  • But state officials have shown no inclination toward making alterations. California earlier this month joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Federal Highway Administration and the Trump administration from withholding billions of dollars to expand electric vehicle infrastructure.
    Rob Nikolewski, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • At retail price, the MSI Thin gaming laptop is already a good deal, a solid budget model with a nice 144Hz full HD screen, decent build quality and decent components for the price.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • Analyze responses to pressure and decision-making quality.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affection. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affection

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