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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 Rigg’s voice is sharp and engrossing, her characters cunning but affable. Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 2025 Pat McCarthy, a rangy, affable young visual artist who lives near the Halsey Avenue stop on the J train, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, keeps about a hundred pigeons on the roof of his building during the winter. Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 Conor Coventry is open, engaging and affable, but one question from The Athletic prompts the former West Ham United youth product to pause for thought. Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Brian Chang beat the system with his hope for the future, his thirst for knowledge, his ability to thrive in businesses, and his affable personality that shows in his writing. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized that the city's drinking water remains unaffected by the spill.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • The administration’s alternate pathways to imposing its tariffs and avoid legal scrutiny could include using Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which was unaffected by the court’s ruling.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its three-stateroom design lets owners and guests can enjoy weekend cruising, while the exterior promotes gracious outdoor living in the large beach-club area, or up on the sport bridge.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
  • But Bill Fox fans are a kind of a tribe, and Hagan was as gracious as could be.
    Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • This wasn’t a neighborhood that seemed hospitable to strangers.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • The citizens are famously hospitable and love to meet visitors.
    Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Born from old coffee bean bags, the canvas fabric stood out on the runway, crafted as a casual option for hanging close to shorelines.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The woman’s friend and the casual man spend time every few weeks, play pool, and text daily.
    Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Make sure to learn about Filipino values, avoid superiority, and be a pleasant neighbor in this country that is welcoming you.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • View 7 Images The Tiffin GH1 all-terrain camper van was one of the most pleasant RV surprises of 2024.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, those who prefer some of the mellow elegance that comes with maturation, the Onkagushu 10-Year-Old is delicate, dry with mellow, evolved aromas.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Choose a relaxing two-mile float for a mellow afternoon or go for a longer 8.5-mile trip with mountain vistas and gentle rapids.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Personally choosing to use less water is a nice start, but grander actions will be needed to effectively address the interrelated issues that drive the overuse of water.
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Wilson completed a pass to Dee Eskridge, who made a nice one-handed catch with cornerback Kendall Sheffield in coverage.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • With its quaint, colonial-era architecture, first-class restaurants of all kinds, and a burgeoning arts and culture scene, San Miguel de Allende promises to beguile travelers with its easygoing charm at every turn.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
  • Coasting over the tracks was Lowe’s smoky, soulful voice, an embodiment of easygoing Californian cool—in part thanks to him being born in San Luis Obispo, California, and growing up in Los Angeles.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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