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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 affable Their alternatively affable and tense banter in front of the camera depict a fraught father-son relationship in miniature, but also how self-aware and intelligent Adrian could be even in his lowest moments. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025 Liam is a tornado of affable douchbaggery, rolling from insult to confrontation to huge chorus, while Noel strums a few paces off-center, a wily smirk the only flicker of emotion on his face. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025 Then Timothy, affable at first, turns on him. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Aug. 2025 Yet Jerry seemed unfazed — smiling, affable, along for the (unexpected) ride. Howard Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • Outside of health care and social assistance, a sector in which job growth seems to be unaffected by over-all trends, the downturn in hiring extended across large parts of the economy, with fewer than half of all private-sector industries adding jobs last month.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 2026 visa cap has already been reached, meaning current sponsorships are unaffected.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Percussion and a choir imbued the ballad with a pulse, and the gracious Warren quickly turned to clap for the singers at song’s end.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 63-year-old chef helms the kitchen at Vila Joya—the restaurant of a gracious boutique hotel in Portugal that shares its name—which earned one Michelin star in 1995 and a second in 1999.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As temperatures drop and outdoor conditions become less hospitable, pests start looking for warmth within our homes.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The practice also offers a calm, welcoming environment where doctors have time to be hospitable, offering patients coffee and snacks.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Perfect for long flights, city strolls, or casual dinners, the moisture-wicking fabric is stretchy, breathable, and even offers UPF 40+ sun protection.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Keep it casual in sneakers, or wear it with suede ankle booties to the pumpkin patch.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Sinner had left the court for a medical timeout after losing the second set, and was sweating heavily from the first set onward on a pleasant 77-degree evening.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The fact that people actually read it — that now, TFD is a fully-fledged media company with a staff of eight and a monthly audience of over 3 million women — came as a pleasant surprise.
    Chelsea Fagan, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Get the recipe > The mellow sweetness of summer corn and lobster meat harmonize beautifully in this ultimate summer soup.
    SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Giving Wickham a nice holiday tan would be a bridge too far for the genteel world of Jane Austen.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But Blaney has also become a fan favorite, perhaps because of his down-to-earth personality and relatable ways, while also coming off as one of the more easygoing racers on the track.
    Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Today’s boho blondes are leaning into the easygoing vibe of the color when styling it.
    Jeanne Ballion, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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