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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 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 Williams gives Danny — or DD as he’s nicknamed — more dimension and turns him into one of the most affable leads on any show running right now. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • Yahoo Newscontinued that when prey struck the web perpendicularly, the waves produced were unaffected by the stabilimenta.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • There’s also Alani (True Whitaker), an unaffected nepo baby who just wants everyone to get along, and Charlie (Jordan Firstman), an aspiring designer who is carving his own path after deciding the traditional routes weren’t working for him.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • For example, Juliette Binoche was gracious enough to come this year.
    Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Deep in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Ohio and Indiana, the dessert menu at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, a hospitable chain of family-style restaurants, features a pecan pie of grand design.
    Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The dress code was casual for the at-home event, with Khloé wearing a brown and white cow-print, loose-fitting onesie.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Best Restaurants Forte Restaurant Modern Italian dishes are on the menu at Forte, a casual spot in Kananaskis Village.
    Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Friday will be a pleasant day with the high temperature near 60 degrees, however, temperatures will quickly dip in the evening after the sun sets, the forecast shows.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The 32-gram chocolate and vanilla were both pleasant, with no strange aftertaste or texture—just make sure to give them a really good shake before taking your first sip.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Cold Brew has a nice mellow coffee flavor and about as much caffeine as an 8-ounce mug of coffee at 100 milligrams.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025
  • But Robert also was unique with a mellow approach to broadcasting.
    Jim Walsh, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the conversation turned to Haliburton, Antetokounmpo challenged Turner to say three nice things about his former All-Star point guard.
    Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Even the fact that Refiberd doesn’t need a lot of financing to keep itself afloat because of the nature of its technology is a nice bit of happenstance.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affable

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