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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 In a place like Lincoln, that’s not difficult, with its affection for football. Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Retriever Realizes Owner Is Home, His Greeting Melts Hearts Senior Dog Enjoys Party on the Beach to Celebrate His 15th Birthday Hearts Melt As Senior Deaf and Blind Dog Detects Owner Is Back Researchers recorded how much affection, proximity-seeking, or excitement the dog showed. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 Ace has set himself up as some kind of master of romance, despite being 22 years of age, and advises Taylor that women need displays of affection — which Ace has already taken the liberty of planning on Taylor’s behalf. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 18 June 2025 The song’s bouncy, dreamy affection and sweet, youthful aggression could be felt from Hawthorne, Calif., to Detroit, Mich. Armond White, National Review, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for affection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affection
Noun
  • That is true since the choice is between spending another six years navigating the political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington or spending that time with the love of my life Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren, and the rest of our extended family back home.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Here are three things emotionally healthy couples do — often without even realizing it — that lay the groundwork for enduring love.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Do control the Asian psyllid insects with an insecticide spray at each flush of growth to prevent the spread of greening disease.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
  • After Yang was found, Police thanked those who assisted in the search for the missing man, who also has Parkinson’s disease.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 28 June 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
  • This means the fruit from the seedling will closely resemble that of the parent plant in flavor and other characteristics.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Stringer and Bian measured different parts of the skulls, noting the overall skull length, the length of the rows of teeth, and other characteristics.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Finally playing alongside her in Chicago, what stood out wasn’t just Parker’s talent, but her relentless devotion while juggling motherhood, a broadcasting career and a championship run.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Paul Libin’s devotion to both the artistry and the humanity of the theater made an indelible mark on Broadway and stages beyond.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • No chronic illness, no prescription medications, normal blood work and all that in my physical exams.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • But then there are the rare illnesses that produce truly violent forces.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The inclination of those operating from this skillset is to evaluate the interrelationships and interconnections within and between steps, processes, systems and people.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Marseille’s artistic inclination is matched by an obsession with food which, typically, is very different from what appears on plates in the rest of France.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Easy to assemble and great quality for the price, the AeroPilates Reformer Premier Studio 700 is a solid entry point for beginners.
    Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 1 July 2025
  • New York is getting a quality scorer to lead the second unit.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affection. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affection

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