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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 Goldstein plays Simon, an affable guy and BFF of Laura (Poots) since their university days. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025 The protagonist, an affable but unmotivated computer store employee, decides to quit his job to pursue new opportunities to better support his son and divorced wife. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025 Now the Phils are desperate to keep the affable and articulate Ohio native, who has cultivated a reputation as a clubhouse leader and terrific teammate. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 An affable dad who avoids divisive topics like politics and religion in favor of gentler, autobiographical material that tends to cast him as a well-meaning fool, the Tennessee native is also the rare comic capable of appealing to, or at least not actively alienating, a broad swathe of viewers. Judy Berman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • Other mail services should be largely unaffected.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • That leaves Wednesday’s release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last policy meeting as the main economic report to watch in the coming week as the central bank is self-funded and unaffected by the shutdown.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The comments section quickly sided with the gracious host.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The influencer was gracious about her departure, though.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Vacherot triumphed 6-3, 6-4, to reach his first ATP final at tour level, moving one match away from capping one of the most extraordinary performances of the year, in the part of the season most hospitable to the unexpected.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Owner and innkeeper John Lavin took over the three-story home, built in 1890, in 2021, and the property continues to charm guests with its creative design, hospitable amenities, and home-away-from-home atmosphere.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Nylons are a must with all but the most casual outfits.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Find it at a casual affair or on the elegant Thanksgiving buffet.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Brew a pot of dark-roasted coffee to make your kitchen smell pleasant.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Instead of colorful foliage and leaf-peeping, an autumnal escape here means uncrowded beaches, pleasant temperatures in the mid-80s, and a wealth of cultural programming and events, many of which are free.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Apples tend to be crisp with a tangy-sweet flavor, while pears are softer, with a grainier texture and a more mellow sweetness.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Powered by a mellow-yet rhythmic Afrobeats tune, the cheeky track finds Miko lusting over a stripper in this seductive narrative that captures an undeniable connection between the two.
    Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The sound system isn’t as nice, and the side-view mirrors now have to be manually folded.
    Patrick George, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The gardener was removing excess leaves to give the tree a cleaner look, an attention to detail required at a nice hotel — The Grove — that’s been housing NFL teams since Aaron Glenn, now the New York Jets head coach, was still playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2008.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Laidback Fun The crystal blue waters of the Sea of Cortez provided dramatic views from our suite’s balcony and easygoing beach days.
    Jasmine Purdie, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The Lenovo Tab Plus is a wish granted for easygoing users.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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