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

The fact is that some people are very affectionate and some aren’t, and those who aren’t need to let those who are know it by kindly telling them so. — WSJ, "Joe Biden: Being in Touch Without Touching," 12 Apr. 2019 Her hubby, who was dressed in a casual white T-shirt and khaki apron, looked equally delighted to be affectionate with his wife. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Just Shared the Sweetest PDA Picture on Instagram," 15 Apr. 2019 The Last Race puts across the filmmaker’s affectionate impressions of the track, through overhead conversations between foul-mouthed old-timers and dreamy shots of beat-up old automobiles roaring across the weary asphalt. — Noel Murray, The Verge, "The 10 best documentaries of 2018," 18 Dec. 2018 This sweet, gentle, affectionate dog is ready to find her forever family. — Peggy Calhoun, idahostatesman, "Ada County Pet of the Week: Millie," 5 June 2018 While meeting with the children honored at the event, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were incredibly affectionate. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "Watch Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Adorable PDA at the WellChild Awards," 6 Sep. 2018 The various wind, brass, string and harp players took full advantage of their juicy solo opportunities, while the Neapolitan Dance, not surprisingly, received particularly affectionate treatment in the hands of the maestro. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Review: Muti, CSO draw convincing contrasts in music of Debussy and Tchaikovsky," 20 Apr. 2018 One of the most affectionate parts of the film was SNL cast members Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and Cecily Strong reading from Radner’s diary. — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, "SNL Alumni Reunited for Love, Gilda, Tribeca Film Festival’s Opening Film," 19 Apr. 2018 Seconds later, Vivian ran up to Bündchen, who lifted her up in a very affectionate hug. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "Gisele Bündchen's Daughter Adorably Crashes Vogue Interview to Give Her Mother a Big Hug," 14 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