Synonyms of affectionate

affectionate

adjective

ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət 

as in loving

feeling or showing love

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loving
• adoring
• passionate
• warm
• devoted
• fond
• compassionate
• caring
• tender
• tenderhearted
• friendly
• kind
• doting
• considerate
• romantic
• impassioned
• humane
• amorous
• fervent
• warmhearted
• erotic
• understanding
• cordial
• forgiving
• ardent
• amatory
• sentimental
• infatuated
• fatherly
• motherly
• brotherly
• lovesick
• sisterly
• sappy
• mushy
• enamored
• lovey-dovey

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aloof
• unloving
• indifferent
• distant
• dry
• detached
• antisocial
• pitiless
• cool
• remote
• standoffish
• uncaring
• reserved
• unbending
• unfeeling
• frosty
• offish
• unconcerned
• disaffected
• uninvolved
• unfriendly
• cold
• hard-hearted
• frigid
• ruthless
• callous
• heartless
• unsentimental
• unromantic
• cold-eyed
• soulless
• cold-blooded
• hard-boiled

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of affectionate

In a trio of images — the last of which is featured on the new publication’s cover — Justin and Hailey are seen leaning in for an affectionate kiss, and in another, the two are reclined on a bed as the singer plants a smooch on Hailey’s cheek. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

For a quintessential Up North afternoon, head to Gabriel Farms, an 1880s farmstead with vineyards, U-pick apples and berries, and affectionate farm pups. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026

Veteran flight attendants with decades of experience often earn an affectionate nickname among airline crews. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026

Nina is an affectionate cat who loves to be around people, according to Our Companions Animal Rescue. — Our Companions, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026