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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of sociable are affable, cordial, genial, and gracious. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

In what contexts can affable take the place of sociable?

Although the words affable and sociable have much in common, affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When could cordial be used to replace sociable?

While in some cases nearly identical to sociable, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

Where would genial be a reasonable alternative to sociable?

In some situations, the words genial and sociable are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When is gracious a more appropriate choice than sociable?

While the synonyms gracious and sociable are close in meaning, gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

Examples 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 sociable Achievements aside, Ryan Wallace was remembered for his radiating kindness and generosity and for having a highly sociable personality with the ability to bring people together. Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Mar. 2024 Not all dogs are the same, some are more sociable than others, but there are different types of day care to accommodate all types of canines. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024 Celebrities looking for privacy didn’t always make the most sociable neighbors. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Aug. 2024 As sociable creatures, crows often form large communal roosts on winter nights, sometimes gathering in the tens of thousands to sleep on tree branches or power lines. Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sociable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • The incoming governor is (rightly) putting daylight between himself and the outgoing guy.
    TJ Martinell | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Israel and Hamas are also under pressure from outgoing President Biden and Trump to reach a deal before the Jan. 20 inauguration.
    Wafaa Shurafa and Natalie Melzer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Dalin was gracious in the moment, but those close to him and the campaign acknowledge that the sting was real.
    George Allen, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The hotel feels grown-up and staff effusively handle all of your needs with a striking level of gracious humility.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In this scenario, TikTok would die a slow death, as its technology degrades and its social fabric weakens with users departing for other platforms.
    Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Follow us on social platform X: (@asimendinger and @kristinakarisch) and suggest this newsletter to friends!
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In an even less hospitable part of Utah Territory, an injured horse prompts Isaac to stop for the night, the rest of which is spent getting to know his companions a bit better.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The weather was relatively hospitable for late December on the future site of the Mall of America.
    Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, some breeds tend to be friendlier to felines than others.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • When the Bushes entered the aisle, walking right past the Trumps, George gave Barack a friendly tap on the belly with his knuckles and kept on moving toward his seat.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sociable

Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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