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
Relevance
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
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
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2025
During the team’s media day on Monday, Yang spoke some English but in mid-sentence would revert back to Chinese, producing a mix of English and Chinese that leaves the affable 7-footer chuckling at himself.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 30 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
Making guardedness and affable self-deprecation part of her identity, Keaton was known for wearing turtlenecks, gloves, and hats that kept her largely covered up, saving emotional vulnerability for her performances.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2025
During the team’s media day on Monday, Yang spoke some English but in mid-sentence would revert back to Chinese, producing a mix of English and Chinese that leaves the affable 7-footer chuckling at himself.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affability
Noun
-
Chickpea Cookie Dough Chickpea cookie dough is high in protein and sure to satisfy a craving for sweetness.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The spices don't cover up the pumpkin flavor, and the glaze is the perfect balance of sweetness.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Kam Patterson is funny here as the one unaffected participant, who curiously studied Gothic Literature!—
Andy Hoglund,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Tech contributions in this straight-on underslant are appropriately unaffected.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
How selfish of Fred Warner, goodness gracious.—
Michael Nowels,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
-
That was a constant refrain in the life of this gracious philanthropist from Roslindale.—
Joe Dwinell,
Boston Herald,
19 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
-
The resilience of the fast casual food category also comes from its relatively smaller exposure to the lower income consumers that have been under more pressure in the current macroeconomic environment, Cho noted.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The Santa Fe Opera offers a unique experience by combining traditional opera with casual parking lot tailgating.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Outlook used to be complex and unfriendly, but Microsoft has replaced it with a far sleeker and faster version, which is surprisingly pleasant to work with.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Oct. 2025
-
The home at 4573 Greenview Drive unfolds across 4,523 square feet with four en suite bedrooms and pleasant surprises around every corner.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Apples tend to be crisp with a tangy-sweet flavor, while pears are softer, with a grainier texture and a more mellow sweetness.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
7 Oct. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
With that in mind, his glowing comments on Jeter paid a nice tribute.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
-
In her opinion, a courthouse wedding or a small ceremony in a family member's backyard would have been just as nice, Kate said.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affability. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share