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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 Dean is affable but a little reserved during our call, which took place the week between her performances on weekends one and two of the Austin City Limits Festival. Sam Reed, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2025 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 Luis Jauregui, a professor at UC Irvine, is an expert in quantum physics who is smart enough to describe his work in terms that are foreign to a non-scientist, yet affable enough to explain it anyway, without making any non-scientist feel dumb. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • But in an interview with ABC News, United Airlines' chief customer officer, David Kinzelman, said most travelers will be unaffected by the small number of cancellations, and the airline is aiming to have the least amount of impact on its passengers.
    Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Yahoo Newscontinued that when prey struck the web perpendicularly, the waves produced were unaffected by the stabilimenta.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • After the initial encounter, sending a brief email or text is both gracious and strategic.
    Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Our recipe hails from Mary Ada Marshall, a resident of Smith Island, who was gracious enough to share her recipe.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Repair bare spots in the lawn to make your yard less hospitable for ground-nesting bees.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The public radio system was not especially hospitable to experimental work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • For many young women, the stiletto’s discomfort is part of the appeal, offering proof that effort and glamor remain in an age of casual sneakers.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Simple yet polished, the Anrabess Long Sleeve Midi Dress is perfect for a casual Thanksgiving feast or a fall day out on the town.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Fortunately, there's usually plenty of pleasant autumn days after the first frost to tackle the remaining fall gardening tasks at a more leisurely rate.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Today the Moon in your sign is dancing with fair Venus creating pleasant feelings between you and everyone else.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Cooks use honey to sweeten and moisten baked goods, mellow vinaigrettes, and balance sweet-and-sour sauces.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Word Up, made with Amara Planta chartreuse, offers a mellow, sideways take on the classic Last Word cocktail that, in the end, will leave you upright.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Ten-inch-tall elves, called Scout Elves, arrive in children's homes ahead of Christmas with a mission to relay children's behavior back to Santa Claus for his naughty and nice list.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • To those earning $50,000 a year at their regular jobs, making $5,000 in a few nights of netting was a nice bonus.
    Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • They are known for their easygoing nature and generosity, and many tend to be sonically orientated and therefore musically inclined.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • That easygoing attitude has also translated to his packing style.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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