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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sociable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sociable are affable, cordial, genial, and gracious. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

In what contexts can affable take the place of sociable?

Although the words affable and sociable have much in common, affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When could cordial be used to replace sociable?

While in some cases nearly identical to sociable, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

Where would genial be a reasonable alternative to sociable?

In some situations, the words genial and sociable are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When is gracious a more appropriate choice than sociable?

While the synonyms gracious and sociable are close in meaning, gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

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 sociable Riley Moss was the sociable hermit in the caverns of Iowa’s practice facility. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025 Indeed, many of these behaviors—practicing gratitude and being more sociable, for instance—have been well studied for years and found to be beneficial to the doer or giver. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2025 Lilly is a Libra who has a creative and sociable side to her, which isn’t in line with Harper’s vibe. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 For example, short-nosed dogs are innately less friendly toward other dogs, but this is offset by their youth (younger dogs are typically more sociable). Laura Baisas Aug 6, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • The podcasts were commissioned by Channel 4 Digital Commissioner Charlie Hyland, outgoing Head of Digital Commissioning Sacha Khari, and Louisa Compton, Head of News and Current Affairs, Specialist Factual and Sport.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Randy is a friendly and outgoing young man who enjoys staying active and exploring his community.
    MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This luxurious property sizzles with gracious elegance and impeccable service, eliciting over-the-top reviews from guests.
    Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The fans are really, really gracious and excited.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Nothing can be done, at this point, about the dubious premise that mainstream Jews and gentiles in 2020s Los Angeles occupy separate social worlds.
    Judy Berman, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Bennett’s book seems to question whether scrutinizing every new gendered archetype or behavior, in the disembodied way social media encourages, is productive.
    Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Deep in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Ohio and Indiana, the dessert menu at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, a hospitable chain of family-style restaurants, features a pecan pie of grand design.
    Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Vacherot triumphed 6-3, 6-4, to reach his first ATP final at tour level, moving one match away from capping one of the most extraordinary performances of the year, in the part of the season most hospitable to the unexpected.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In warm weather that means competitive golf tournaments, friendly tennis clinics, outdoor summer concerts, and a calendar full of signature community events.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Wear them with a simple long-sleeve top or T-shirt for a casual look, or add a blazer and heels for an office-friendly outfit.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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