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
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Recent Examples of affability
He was dressed in a T-shirt and a tracksuit jacket, and spoke with an offbeat affability—a holdover from Boulder’s hippie days.
—
Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Despite his aura of affability, D’Amaro fought to win every match.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
His entire being radiated affability and understanding.
—Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
All the parts Phillip must play take advantage of his affability and outward kindness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
The president created a massive media event, surprised people by his affability toward an ideological foe and bathed in the idea of common ground around affordability.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
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
This is not only because of the city's size but also because of the hospitality and affability of its citizens.
—Gary Shteyngart, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2025
Yeun’s air of gentleness and honesty is put to good, perhaps misdirecting use, as is Chandler’s relaxed manner and mildly folksy affability.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Despite his aura of affability, D’Amaro fought to win every match.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
His entire being radiated affability and understanding.
—Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
All the parts Phillip must play take advantage of his affability and outward kindness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
The president created a massive media event, surprised people by his affability toward an ideological foe and bathed in the idea of common ground around affordability.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
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
This is not only because of the city's size but also because of the hospitality and affability of its citizens.
—Gary Shteyngart, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2025
Yeun’s air of gentleness and honesty is put to good, perhaps misdirecting use, as is Chandler’s relaxed manner and mildly folksy affability.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affability
sweetness
Noun
-
Service simply cannot be faulted in terms of friendliness and sweetness, though efficiency is perhaps another matter.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Fold in frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of baking for color and sweetness.—
Marianne Williams,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affability. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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