Synonyms of affable

affable

adjective

ˈa-fə-bəl 

1

as in unaffected

having a relaxed, casual manner

as the show's affable host, she keeps the freewheeling gabfest from getting out of hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unaffected
• casual
• mellow
• easygoing
• nonchalant
• informal
• familiar
• flexible
• low-pressure
• breezy
• laid-back
• happy-go-lucky
• warm
• devil-may-care
• carefree
• unperturbed
• approachable
• unconcerned
• untroubled
• lackadaisical
• accessible
• unflappable
• lenient
• homey
• pliant
• permissive
• soft
• pliable
• imperturbable
• unworried
• companionable
• unfussy
• genial
• amicable
• cordial
• lax
• unshakable
• warmhearted
• homy
• neighborly
• nerveless
• dégagé
• comradely
• hearty
• hail-fellow-well-met

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uptight
• rigid
• formal
• decorous
• strict
• anxious
• high-strung
• ceremonious
• nervous
• bothered
• worried
• distressed
• tense
• jumpy
• jittery
• skittish

2

as in gracious

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations

as an experienced event planner, he knows that having an affable emcee is critical

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gracious
• pleasant
• nice
• amiable
• sweet
• friendly
• good-natured
• genial
• agreeable
• cheerful
• attractive
• delightful
• good-tempered
• mellow
• clever
• polite
• well-disposed
• kind
• gentle
• thoughtful
• benign
• amicable
• cordial
• neighborly
• civil
• enjoyable
• courteous
• cheery
• sociable
• likable
• considerate
• sunny
• likeable
• conversable
• companionable
• amenable
• obliging
• glad
• accommodating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unpleasant
• disagreeable
• surly
• ungracious
• unamiable
• boorish
• unkind
• irascible
• rude
• discourteous
• irritable
• unsociable
• cantankerous
• inconsiderate
• impolite
• grumpy
• unmannerly
• petulant
• uncivil
• peevish
• grouchy
• cranky
• snappish
• choleric
• dyspeptic
• churlish
• bilious
• touchy
• ungenial
• testy
• contrary
• ill-tempered
• fussy
• ill-natured
• ornery
• crabby
• contentious
• querulous
• argumentative
• bearish
• unattractive
• ill-mannered
• unappealing
• sour
• ill-humored
• quick-tempered
• vinegary

3

as in hospitable

showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations

although First Lady Lucretia Hayes didn't particularly enjoy her role as White House hostess, she was always affable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gracious
• hospitable
• friendly
• thoughtful
• polite
• cordial
• genial
• outgoing
• sociable
• amiable
• kindly
• congenial
• benign
• kind
• courteous
• convivial
• agreeable
• neighborly
• considerate
• obliging
• cosmopolitan
• accommodating
• attentive
• benignant
• sophisticated
• urbane
• approachable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inhospitable
• ungracious
• unsociable
• ungenial
• boorish
• gruff
• churlish
• brusque
• blunt
• abrupt
• sharp
• curt
• surly
• sullen
• unfriendly
• disagreeable
• antisocial
• snippy
• rude
• unkind
• discourteous
• impolite
• uncivil
• unmannerly
• grumpy
• crusty
• cross
• brusk
• crabby
• crabbed
• ill-mannered

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

Recent Examples of affable

Editors Note: The death of affable Cheers stalwart George Wendt on Tuesday at age 76 sounded a somber note heading into the holiday weekend. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 23 May 2025

After making a strong start to the ‘24 season, the affable righty landed on the injured list with an oblique ailment. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 17 May 2025

Magic Johnson is pretty active on X. The affable and well-liked Lakers legend often will give his observations on a variety of topics. —Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Rigg’s voice is sharp and engrossing, her characters cunning but affable. —Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 2025

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