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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
And last year, John’s affable personality was on full display in a shoe commercial with his son. Eric Nehm, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 While much comedy comes from watching the affable Edwin being pulled into her schemes, there is also a lot of joy in seeing a mature couple who simply adore one another. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 27 Apr. 2025 Starting with their debut, these were musicians unafraid to revel in rubbery grooves, guitar and keyboard solos that threatened to never end, and the type of affable, malleable singing that’s characterized the form for decades. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025 Behind the scenes, however, the affable Red Sox right-hander has been navigating the painful loss of his grandfather, who passed away early in spring training. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affability
Adjective
  • During the two-and-a-half years when one of the four tubes will be shut to train traffic, the current LIRR and Amtrak schedules — both of which were slightly reduced as of November in anticipation of the shutdown — should, in theory, be unaffected.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
  • In addition, although students with high SAT scores were largely unaffected by course shutouts, students with low SAT scores experienced more negative effects, particularly a lower likelihood of declaring a STEM major.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perry was also quite gracious when another fan in the crowd handed her an album to sign.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
  • The building includes a 24-hour concierge and a gracious lobby with a residents’ lounge.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Those proteins—called effectors—attack specific targets that collectively disable the host's defense responses and make the host more hospitable for its bacterial conqueror.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
  • There must be a penalty until the campus is shown to be hospitable to Jewish students.
    Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sun Sentinel Coming soon: Lucky Lou’s Raw Bar to replace Bru’s Room; Roka Hula bringing Polynesian fusion to Delray Sometime later this summer, the former Bru’s Room near the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier will turn into a casual oyster bar and sporty seafood shack.
    South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
  • Honestly, for movie nights or casual gaming on a massive screen, this one’s hard to top.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • But overall, this affordable bed frame offers a good mix of pleasant aesthetics and practical storage solutions.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 May 2025
  • She’s made a feel-good movie about people who, for the most part, aren’t feeling all that good, leaving the viewer with a pleasant aftertaste that fades away as soon as the last song ends.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Turns out, pro-level mountain running on rugged terrain is quite a bit different than x collegiate trail running on more mellow courses..
    Andy Wacker, Outside Online, 18 May 2025
  • Whether your mom is new to edibles or an experienced user, these treats can offer a relaxing, mellow experience.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the formula played nice with the sensitive skin on our tester’s hairline, its toning effects only lasted a few days.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • The Half Dome comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days, and nice to have.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their easygoing personality, however, should not be mistaken for low energy.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
  • Why Try It: If Amrut Fusion is India’s statement whisky, Paul John Brilliance is its easygoing charmer.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affability. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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