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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 And last year, John’s affable personality was on full display in a shoe commercial with his son. Eric Nehm, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 While much comedy comes from watching the affable Edwin being pulled into her schemes, there is also a lot of joy in seeing a mature couple who simply adore one another. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 27 Apr. 2025 Starting with their debut, these were musicians unafraid to revel in rubbery grooves, guitar and keyboard solos that threatened to never end, and the type of affable, malleable singing that’s characterized the form for decades. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025 Behind the scenes, however, the affable Red Sox right-hander has been navigating the painful loss of his grandfather, who passed away early in spring training. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • For example, many could be reassigned to jobs in city departments that are unaffected by the budget crisis.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • However, even as many industries experience a general decline, there were five remote roles pointed out by FlexJobs that appear to be unaffected by the downward trend, and were in the highest demand in Q1 2025.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Perry was also quite gracious when another fan in the crowd handed her an album to sign.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
  • The building includes a 24-hour concierge and a gracious lobby with a residents’ lounge.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Those proteins—called effectors—attack specific targets that collectively disable the host's defense responses and make the host more hospitable for its bacterial conqueror.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
  • There must be a penalty until the campus is shown to be hospitable to Jewish students.
    Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • So, keep initiating the catch-ups, accepting invites for casual hangs, attending those after-work dinners and chatting with acquaintances at events.
    Seraphina Seow, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • Honestly, for movie nights or casual gaming on a massive screen, this one’s hard to top.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • But overall, this affordable bed frame offers a good mix of pleasant aesthetics and practical storage solutions.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 May 2025
  • She’s made a feel-good movie about people who, for the most part, aren’t feeling all that good, leaving the viewer with a pleasant aftertaste that fades away as soon as the last song ends.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Butter yellow is everywhere—from runways to celebrity homes—but there’s something undeniably comforting (and nostalgic) about this mellow hue.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 9 May 2025
  • Whether your mom is new to edibles or an experienced user, these treats can offer a relaxing, mellow experience.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Half Dome comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days, and nice to have.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 May 2025
  • However, a very nice man let us in, much to the chagrin of a lady who did not want to let us in.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • His father, Eric (Wood Harris), who cooks for the family and runs restaurants — including, in this TV reality, the real-life Linden, a Hollywood center of Black society — and never went to college, is more easygoing.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
  • This offbeat, easygoing ride includes stops to sample tropical fruits (freshly cracked coconut, mangoes, and key limes), facts and sightings of tropical flora, and cruises down side streets showcasing Key West’s diverse residential architecture (Shotgun, Bahamian, and Conch-style).
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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