sociable

1 of 2

adjective

so·​cia·​ble ˈsō-shə-bəl 

1

: inclined by nature to companionship with others of the same species : social

2

a

: inclined to seek or enjoy companionship

b

: marked by or conducive to friendliness or pleasant social relations

sociableness noun

sociably

ˈsō-shə-blē 

adverb

sociable

2 of 2

noun

: an informal social gathering frequently involving a special activity or interest

Synonyms

Adjective

• boon
• clubbable
• clubable
• clubby
• companionable
• convivial
• extroverted
• extraverted
• gregarious
• outgoing
• social

Choose the Right Synonym for sociable

gracious, cordial, affable, genial, sociable mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse.

gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Examples of sociable in a Sentence

Adjective

They are sociable people who enjoy having parties.

They had a very sociable evening.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

And while there’s a sociable air at Chora’s tavernas, there’s no queuing for a table. —Lee Cobaj, Robb Report, 1 May 2025

The sociable town mascot lived his entire nine lives in Harmony, passing in 1995 at the ripe old age of 22. —Kathe Tanner, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The sociable lamb also appeared to enjoy the attention from its human audience, basking in the affection and excitement. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025

Zookeepers and guests are mourning a beloved, sociable tortoise who lived for well over 100 years before dying at the St. Louis Zoo. —Rhiannon Saegert, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin sociabilis, from sociare to join, associate, from socius

First Known Use

Adjective

1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sociable

• negotiable
• unsociable
• nonnegotiable

Kids Definition

sociable

1 of 2 adjective

so·​cia·​ble ˈsō-shə-bəl 

1

: likely to seek or enjoy companionship : affable, friendly

sociable people

2

: leading to friendliness or pleasant social relations

sociably

-blē 

adverb

sociable

2 of 2 noun

: social entry 2

Etymology

Adjective

from early French sociable "social, sociable," from Latin sociabilis (same meaning), from sociare "to join, associate," from socius "ally, companion" — related to associate