as in loving
feeling or showing love
an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
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Recent Examples of affectionate
Even this brief description cannot fully prepare the viewer for the zigzagging subplots and delights of Mendonça’s eccentric and affectionate ode to the movies and the Brazil of his youth—and to maintaining individuality amid abuses of power.
—
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, known for its affectionate temperament and distinctive coloring, has long been a favorite among pet owners—but rarely do two appear in such identical fashion on a first date.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Conventionally, Stewart would sing the sentimental ballad with images of Osbourne projected behind him in an affectionate tribute.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
The affectionate pup is waiting for a new owner at the shelter in Hendersonville, a roughly 25-mile drive south from the mountain town of Asheville.
—Simone Jasper
july 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, known for its affectionate temperament and distinctive coloring, has long been a favorite among pet owners—but rarely do two appear in such identical fashion on a first date.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Conventionally, Stewart would sing the sentimental ballad with images of Osbourne projected behind him in an affectionate tribute.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
The affectionate pup is waiting for a new owner at the shelter in Hendersonville, a roughly 25-mile drive south from the mountain town of Asheville.
—Simone Jasper
july 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affectionate
Adjective
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Cognitive generosity is all about making the choice to interpret your partner’s intentions, behaviors and words in the most generous and loving light possible.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 Aug. 2025
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Thank you to all the beautiful loving and supportive fans out there for honoring him.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Chicharito also benefitted from his market placement in LA, in his case mainly due to the proximity to an adoring Mexican fanbase throughout Southern California.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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In some cases, like his calls to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, Mr. Trump has promised changes that many of his most adoring fans in Europe have stopped well short of.—
Jim Tankersley,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectionate. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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