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affable

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to affable?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When can genial be used instead of affable?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When would gracious be a good substitute for affable?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

In what contexts can sociable take the place of affable?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

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 affability
Adjective
That’s amazingly alluring to those in the psychology and physics fields, while perhaps not quite as affable for all other domains. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 Even though Shakman had never tackled a production this complex, his colleagues describe him as affable and totally open to collaboration. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 16 July 2025 David’s way of wielding curiosity to get to common ground and policy that benefits the average American and the country’s leadership in the world – and his affable nature and good humor – will be sorely missed. Joan Michelson, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 Koepp comes across affable, clever and pragmatically flexible to the sometimes frustrating needs of the industry. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for affability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affability
Adjective
  • Thirty to 100 percent increases are being asked for apartments built since 1947 and therefore unaffected by rent-control laws.
    Nicholas Pileggi, Curbed, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Some of the areas most closely watched for tariff impact nationwide were largely unaffected.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
  • While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • By 2015, however, Huntington Park had become so hospitable to immigrants that a city councilmember appointed two of them living in the country illegally to serve on city commissions — a first in California.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • One expert associated with RMS Titanic, Inc. remarked that outer space was more hospitable and easier to reach.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • With 131 stylish rooms, lush linens, rainfall showers, minibars and free Wi‑Fi, the hotel offers comfort and charm, not to mention a casual, youthful vibe and unstuffy service-with-a-smile.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • From casual comfort to celebratory splurges From the start, the duo intended to create a neighborhood bistro, a welcoming spot serving French staples.
    Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Think wild strawberries and mineral lift with just enough texture to add a pleasant element of complexity, something not often found in entry-level rosé.
    Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Mini marshmallows add a chewy, soft contrast, while crunchy lemon cookies give the dessert a pleasant crunch.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Merz’s sharp tone is noticeable — especially in comparison to his predecessor Olaf Scholz, who generally struck a more mellow approach.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The waves are mellow enough for new surfers, but still fun for seasoned riders.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • British puppeteer Rod Hull arrives on set with his ersatz bird that promptly snaps at Carson while playing nice with Richard Pryor on the Tonight Show couch.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Viewing records make for nice headlines but wider distribution also mean big business.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • So her trip to the past should be a very easygoing, chill time.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Schmitt is easygoing inside the Capitol and a swaggering culture warrior outside of it.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Affability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affability. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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