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Synonym Chooser

How is the word affection distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of affection are emotion, feeling, passion, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How are the words emotion and feeling related as synonyms of affection?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When is feeling a more appropriate choice than affection?

Although the words feeling and affection have much in common, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

In what contexts can passion take the place of affection?

The meanings of passion and affection largely overlap; however, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When would sentiment be a good substitute for affection?

In some situations, the words sentiment and affection are roughly equivalent. However, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

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 affection The cat continues to stare at the dog with visible affection. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 Their subsequent conversation during his break suggests lasting affection on both sides. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025 Straight, even, smooth, and glossy hair denotes strength, harmony, and evenness of character, hearty affections, a clear head, and superior talents. Literary Hub, 9 June 2025 The group were filmed licking and sniffing the younger kitten in a clear show of affection, in the post to TikTok from April 25. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for affection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affection
Noun
  • This type of attachment style can shape one’s self-esteem and ideas around worthiness and love.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The notes came from every corner of Sofia’s school life, with each teacher offering encouragement, wisdom and love.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Millions of survivors Because of so many improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, many millions more people are surviving the disease, often for many years.
    Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 16 June 2025
  • Outcomes are less positive when the disease is diagnosed in adults, per the Clinic.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At this stage, Abiteboul explained the car is undergoing endurance dyno testing to fine tune the characteristics of the engine and gearbox.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • His skills and characteristics fit perfectly in Florida, and his role on the third line puts him in a beneficial position.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • To be fair, fellow-Sikhs also infer devotion and discipline, although these are neither the only readings nor the most common.
    Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • Growing up in that parish, Martinez experienced devotions and ritual on a grand scale, with elaborate ceremonies conducted by bishops, archbishops and cardinals.
    Ellen Skerrett, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • But then there are the rare illnesses that produce truly violent forces.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
  • No chronic illness, no prescription medications, normal blood work and all that in my physical exams.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • And, swear to God, my inclination to be a doctor was that.
    Kimberly Dishongh, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • And Just Like That is out of a inclination to see Carrie continue to live her messy and fabulous life as a pretty egregiously out-of-touch Manhattan socialite.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • In the office, your communication skills can be just as important as the quality of your work.
    Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 19 June 2025
  • For mental stamina, practices like mindfulness, quality sleep, and a strong social network are key.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affection. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affection

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