as in loving
feeling or showing love
an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of affectionate
Meanwhile, a secret love affair is affectionate and compelling.
—
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Deeply affectionate and laugh-out-loud funny, this delightful comedy is the directorial debut of Maude Apatow.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Jeremiah is a friendly, affectionate and respectful teen who is known for his polite manners and eagerness to help others.
—The Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
Despite her suffering, Gertie remained gentle, affectionate, and trusting.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Deeply affectionate and laugh-out-loud funny, this delightful comedy is the directorial debut of Maude Apatow.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Jeremiah is a friendly, affectionate and respectful teen who is known for his polite manners and eagerness to help others.
—The Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
Despite her suffering, Gertie remained gentle, affectionate, and trusting.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affectionate
Adjective
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Both books also feature difficult loving relationships between a mother and a teen daughter.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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Your empath will thank you for giving them a loving, supportive village.—
Laura Wheatman Hill,
Parents,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Andrew Buss takes an adoring but critical eye to Superbad.—
Brian Boone,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2025
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The Patriots’ pass coverage without Christian Gonzalez, their atrocious inside linebacker play and roller-coaster special teams, which give any adoring fan a heart attack at a moment’s notice.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectionate. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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