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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 Sometimes the harmless and affable creatures were fatally shot. Anthony R. Cannella, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025 As the only White rider on the bus in one of the poorest sections of the city, Ray becomes an unexpected, but affable, presence during the weekly Saturday morning rides. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025 The Context Wendt's portrayal of the affable, beer-loving Norm became a cultural touchstone, earning him six Emmy nominations and helping cement Cheers as one of the greatest sitcoms in television history. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 Being that Hot Ones is designed to celebrate, not interrogate, political guests would put Evans in a position antithetical to his preference for affable invisibility. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • Both WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines said their operations were unaffected by the hacks.
    Sean Lyngaas, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
  • Russian Security Council deputy chairman of Dmitry Medvedev also said Iran's critical nuclear infrastructure appeared to be unaffected or to have sustained only minor damage.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • For some science, the discoveries will be limited by whatever the sky is gracious enough to give—a star must explode for the Rubin Observatory to spot a new supernova, for example.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
  • Miss Manners is certain that your heartfelt gratitude, in the form of a gracious and appreciative handwritten letter, will be thanks enough.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Italy has, nevertheless, been experiencing a surge in wealthy arrivals — both to visit and live — as its more hospitable flat-tax regime and booming luxury real estate sector have proved a draw whereas other countries have sought to crack down on the uber-rich.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 27 June 2025
  • But the city is not super hospitable to the artistic need to fail.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even casual users should take a moment to review their settings and chat history to make sure personal details aren’t being shared without their knowledge.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Quiet luxury persists, but in a more casual, relaxed iteration.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Quiet and largely seasonably pleasant weather will settle across the Kansas City area on Tuesday, giving the metro a break from the heat and storms of the past few days, according to the National Weather Service.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • The average temperature is a pleasant 56°F (13°C), with warm summers and cool winters.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Creamy and mellow—perfect for those new to bourbon.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny joins the cast as Happy's new caddy, while Kevin Nealon returns as mellow pro golfer Gary Potter, now shining as a golf reporter.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • The answer is a cool $2.8 million, probably enough to buy a really nice apartment in Ghent near the River Scheldt.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Boca Raton, Florida Boca Raton is where upscale meets easygoing.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
  • After all, there’s something about the region’s unspoiled natural beauty, superlative hospitality, and easygoing pace that instantly prompts shoulders to relax and stress to melt away.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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