Definition of affectionnext
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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 affection reaches beyond Thomas’ parents. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 The 13-track record chronicles the lifespan of a relationship, from the exuberance of initial infatuation to the whiplash of begging for affection from a partner that was once so easily enamored. Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 Progressives see the success of democratic socialist candidates as a recipe to win the affections of voters across the country. Michael Collins, USA Today, 25 June 2026 There is greater affection with loyalty and practical support under this transit. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for affection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affection
Noun
  • But can this love story survive the Jackson ranch's shady dealings?
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Keep up with the arts, keep up with the love, and share a plate of food with your neighbor.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The shipment includes emergency health kits for urgent medical care, including supplies for safe births, newborn care, disease prevention and treatment, according to the United Nations.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • The rabies vaccine, if administered immediately after exposure, is nearly 100% successful at preventing the disease, according to the World Health Organization.
    Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • But none of that has happened, and Hamas rejected a new disarmament proposal in March that would force it to give up its tunnel network as well as rockets, heavy munitions, explosive devices and assault rifles before any Israel withdrawal.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • This one from Amazon is only $36 and can keep your devices charged for up to one week on a single charge.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Three months later, the Supreme Court voted to allow immigration agents to stop people based on racial or ethnic characteristics while still-ongoing litigation against it proceeded.
    Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 1 July 2026
  • For example, the experienced representative knew from past cases that when the customer had three particular characteristics, the usual answer would be wrong.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Courtesy of Judice & Araujo That encounter helped awaken his lifelong devotion to plants.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • This devotion to excellence has paved the way for EltaMD’s recognition by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, Kendall Jenner, Drew Barrymore, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • Harold Wheeler, a prolific and Tony-winning Broadway orchestrator, composer and conductor who for 17 seasons served as musical director for ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, died following a lengthy illness Wednesday, June 24, at his home in Los Angeles.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Spiritual progress requires fighting against the natural downward inclination of our souls—though fighting, oddly, is also the problem.
    Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.
    Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep, dizziness, breathlessness, brain fog, low mood, brittle nails, hair fall, feeling unusually cold, and changes in skin quality all signal low ferritin levels.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • The goal is to build higher quality affordable housing by using efficient construction methods Jamison has learned through building more than 8,000 market-rate apartments in the past, Lee said.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affection. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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