as in sweetness
the state or quality of having a pleasant or agreeable manner in socializing with others
First Lady Dolley Madison was beloved by the nation for her affability toward people from all walks of life
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in unaffected
having a relaxed, casual manner
as the show's affable host, she keeps the freewheeling gabfest from getting out of hand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gracious
having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations
as an experienced event planner, he knows that having an affable emcee is critical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hospitable
showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations
although First Lady Lucretia Hayes didn't particularly enjoy her role as White House hostess, she was always affable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of affability
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Vulture Editors, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
Now the Phils are desperate to keep the affable and articulate Ohio native, who has cultivated a reputation as a clubhouse leader and terrific teammate.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affability
Noun
The choice Task makes to soften Ruffalo’s natural affability and presence in favor of Pelphrey’s Robbie—who transmits anger and despair with palpable, desperate energy—is a fascinating one, requiring humility from one actor and intense commitment from the other.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The protagonist, an affable but unmotivated computer store employee, decides to quit his job to pursue new opportunities to better support his son and divorced wife.
—Vulture Editors, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
Now the Phils are desperate to keep the affable and articulate Ohio native, who has cultivated a reputation as a clubhouse leader and terrific teammate.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affability
Noun
-
Once Venus enters Libra mid-month, the love planet will add a layer of sweetness to your words and exchanges, making you as charming and persuasive as ever.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The pureed corn mixture is buttery, savory, and surprisingly decadent despite having only a small amount of dairy, The corn's natural sugars add an edge of sweetness to the sauce; the sauce coats the pasta like an Alfredo and matches its richness but is not as cheesy as an Alfredo.—
Elizabeth Mervosh,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
That leaves Wednesday’s release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last policy meeting as the main economic report to watch in the coming week as the central bank is self-funded and unaffected by the shutdown.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
6 Oct. 2025
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While federal workers are not being paid and most offices are not offering services, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits are unaffected.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The flagship offers an expansive collection of wallcoverings, rugs, furniture, and more, and aims to capture the welcoming, gracious environment the brand is known for while signaling its evolution.—
Sydney Gore,
Architectural Digest,
29 Sep. 2025
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But these aren’t gods in oh-so-gracious robes or with armor or holding lightning bolts in their hands.—
David Lyman,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Owner and innkeeper John Lavin took over the three-story home, built in 1890, in 2021, and the property continues to charm guests with its creative design, hospitable amenities, and home-away-from-home atmosphere.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, recent increases in overnight temperatures in Texas may have made the region more hospitable to tropical species, which could explain green jays’ expansion north, according to Keitt.—
Amanda Schupak,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The soft, stretchy fabric and elastic waistband keep them comfortable, while the sleek design works for fitness classes, errands, or even a casual night out.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The onboard 6-watt speaker delivered good enough quality for casual use and is loud enough for a small to medium-sized family room.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Customer service was easy and pleasant.—
Kristi Kellogg,
Architectural Digest,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Stierli is particularly concerned with the situation at Great Falls, where trails and picturesque cliffsides along the Potomac River attract many visitors, especially with this weekend’s pleasant weather.—
Brian Todd,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Powered by a mellow-yet rhythmic Afrobeats tune, the cheeky track finds Miko lusting over a stripper in this seductive narrative that captures an undeniable connection between the two.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
3 Oct. 2025
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By contrast, Accra, the nation’s capital, with its Parliamentary Building and Black Star Square, is enlivened by streams of mellow banter and commerce.—
Edna Bonhomme,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The sound system isn’t as nice, and the side-view mirrors now have to be manually folded.—
Patrick George,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The gardener was removing excess leaves to give the tree a cleaner look, an attention to detail required at a nice hotel — The Grove — that’s been housing NFL teams since Aaron Glenn, now the New York Jets head coach, was still playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2008.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affability. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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