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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
My dad’s a handsome fella, an affable New York Jew who stops strangers to admire their babies or try out a Russian phrase he’s been practicing. AFAR Media, 7 Aug. 2025 The affable executive waited to confirm his imminent departure until a day before the $8 billion Paramount-Skydance merger officially closes. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025 Who but Cotten, shifting with eerie ease from affable guest to something more serpentine, could deliver the film’s infamous dinner-table monologue? Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025 Theo was funny, cool, affable, confident around adults, often charmingly sneaky, a bit of a trickster. Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for affability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affability
Noun
  • Another layer of pastry sits atop the mixture and is covered in crystal sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to contrast the tart filling, as well as a delicate crunch in each bite.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The teriyaki beef was served as thin cuts of soft meat, where the saltiness overpowered the sweetness and tanginess.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Most notably, his sector-specific levies on steel and aluminum remain unaffected by the appeals court's ruling.
    Erin Doherty, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2025
  • As highly-invasive golden mussels spread across California waterways, officials are urging boaters to take thorough precautions to avoid introducing the species to unaffected waters over the busy Labor Day weekend.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Jon Voigt was also very gracious and became part of my narrative.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
  • While Judge would surely be gracious about Raleigh beating his mark, the fact is that their teams were within a half-game of each other in the standings at the conclusion of play on Monday night.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • La Masa has earned a reputation for outstanding food, a warm and hospitable guest experience, and a menu that appeals to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • These classic stays have always matched the Scottish capital’s more measured, thoughtful rhythm—grand yet accessible, historic but deeply hospitable.
    Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With a flat sole and closed toe, these shoes blend dressy and casual elements for an effortlessly refined shoe.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Both kept it casual in summery whites and denim to pick up a selection of colorful cold ones.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The white negroni gets its pleasant bitterness from gin infused with pine nuts.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Northern Indiana Labor Day weekend weather forecast Labor Day weekend travelers who want to scope out South Bend's Chocolate Factory or the Indiana Dinosaur Museum will do so under pleasant, sunny skies.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Casting the sweet-faced and unflappably mellow Dano — Eli Sunday his Vadim Baranov is not — as Putin’s kingmaker also assures that Assayas isn’t keen on high drama, with conversations in conference rooms plotting totalitarian takeover rarely rising above library-voice level.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Even the beautiful, mellow hipsters in the closing story set in Paris are soulful twin siblings who communicate with sensitivity and understated depth of feeling.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While having a day off because of the engagement would have been nice, Pittman and the Tombras School of AD & PR later confirmed on social media that the viral moment was actually staged.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • In addition, when the pan is uncovered, the cheese forms a nice, bubbly crust.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Affability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affability. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affability

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