as in loving
feeling or showing love
an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
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Recent Examples of affectionate
The piece is affectionate, admiring, and shamelessly tilted in his favor.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Breed experts say goldendoodles are among the most social and affectionate dog breeds available.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
This affectionate boy adores people, thrives on human attention and will happily lean in for pets, snuggles or just to be close.
—Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
That’s when someone inundates you with affectionate words and gestures early on to build influence.
—Kathy and Ross Petrass, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Breed experts say goldendoodles are among the most social and affectionate dog breeds available.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
This affectionate boy adores people, thrives on human attention and will happily lean in for pets, snuggles or just to be close.
—Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
That’s when someone inundates you with affectionate words and gestures early on to build influence.
—Kathy and Ross Petrass, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affectionate
Adjective
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As such, a loving relationship will demand awareness that, sometimes, not every truth needs to be delivered in its rawest form.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
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From a young age, we're taught to greet people, regardless of their age, and even compliment them, so everyone is very accepting and loving.—
Zama Magudulela,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Mom and daughter share adoring glances at an event to celebrate International Women's Day in London.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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But a falling out with former owner Glen Taylor kept him from returning to his ‘Sota to give adoring fans another chance to thank him for 14 seasons with No. 21 on his back and Minnesota in his heart.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectionate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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