affectionate

adjective

af·fec·tion·ate | \ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət

Definition of affectionate

1 : feeling or showing affection or warm regard : loving affectionate friends an affectionate nickname

2 : motivated by affection : tender affectionate care

3 obsolete : inclined, disposed

Other Words from affectionate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about affectionate

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Synonyms & Antonyms for affectionate

Synonyms

adoring, devoted, fond, loving, tender, tenderhearted

Antonyms

unloving

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Recent Examples on the Web

Tonto’s affectionate moniker for the Lone Ranger on the radio and TV series of that name. — Marc Fisher, Washington Post, "Dan Ingram, popular DJ who poked fun at his own medium, dies at 83," 28 June 2018 The setting is minimal, the costumes pleasantly generic, Karla Puno Garcia’s choreography decidedly low profile and Mr. Schmoll’s direction affectionate and barely there. — Alexis Soloski, New York Times, "Review: ‘Gone Missing,’ Now a Poignant Reminder of a Life Cut Short," 12 July 2018 The blurred lines extend well beyond affectionate greetings. — Bloomberg.com, "Trump Orders Commerce Department to Consider Probe on Auto Imports," 8 Mar. 2018 Chief among them: Don’t get too affectionate with the queen, who does not expect to be hugged or kissed by guests. — BostonGlobe.com, "Royal etiquette for the Trumps’ visit: Don’t kiss the queen," 13 July 2018 She and the couple were seen laughing on the sidelines while Prince Harry gave a speech, and Markle was later spotted being affectionate with the Duchess on the lawn. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Bonds with the Queen and Her Royal In-Laws on the Buckingham Palace Balcony," 10 July 2018 Dobi is sure to be an affectionate, loving companion for whoever decides to take him home. — Peggy Calhoun, idahostatesman, "Ada County Pet of the Week: Dobi," 2 July 2018 Oxman and Ackman, who were rumored to be dating before her Pitt interlude, were reportedly extremely affectionate with each other this weekend, and attended a party together as a couple. — Madeleine Aggeler, The Cut, "Brad Pitt’s MIT-Professor Crush Is Dating a Billionaire Now," 14 June 2018 In January, the two were snapped being publicly affectionate with one another at a New England Patriots game when Culpo congratulated her man by jumping into his arms on the football field after the team won their game leading up to the Super Bowl. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "Olivia Culpo, ex Danny Amendola reunite at wedding," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'affectionate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for affectionate

partly borrowed from Medieval Latin affectiōnātus "inclined, disposed, well-disposed," from Latin affectiōn-, affectiō affection + -ātus -ate entry 3; partly formed from affection + -ate entry 3 after Middle French affectionné "having affection for," past participle of affectionner "to have affection for," derivative of affection