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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 Parsons points to the Ranger’s affection for a woman named Pidgie Mitchell, the sister of Robinson’s killer. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025 The affection for Lithuania from the Trump administration stems from its aggressive defense spending. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025 The Cats Protection charity also emphasizes that disabled cats still enjoy toys, affection, and exploration just like any other cat. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 Short walks, five minutes of petting, or tossing a toy while holding the baby all help rebuild trust and show affection. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for affection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affection
Noun
  • The Islanders have spent several weeks navigating love and drama that sometimes comes with it to a captive audience, who have occasionally had a say in what happens, or doesn't happen, since the very beginning.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • If so, as in if and when the next commercial visionary happens on a new idea that investors gradually fall in love with, the typical retirement investor stands to prosper substantially thanks to the genius of compounding.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Sitting or standing on the plate for just a few minutes can help with lymphatic drainage, in return reducing swelling, boosting the immune system, and lessening the chance of disease.
    Kristin Auble, Vogue, 10 July 2025
  • Vaccination Rates Are Declining Despite the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and the potential severity of the disease, vaccination rates are declining.
    Dave Wessner, Forbes.com, 10 July 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
  • There are nearly 50 species of pine trees native to North America with diverse characteristics and growing preferences.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
  • For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • There have been no injuries or illnesses reported to Mondelēz Global to date.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
  • Similarly, disability insurance replaces your income if injury or illness prevents you from working for an extended period.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 9 July 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
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
  • These could be changed, but importers in any nation still could choose where to buy based on quality and cost rather than differing tariff rates charged by their own country.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affection. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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