as in loving
feeling or showing love
an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
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Recent Examples of affectionate
Their relationship, at least the one that comes through their extensive correspondence in the files released by the Justice Department, was chatty and catty, at times warm and affectionate, at other moments transactional.
—
Brent Lang, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
In 2022 the most excellent Michael Dirda, on the occasion—sigh—of Book World’s all-too-short rebirth, wrote an affectionate and informative inside history of the supplement.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
The Duke has become an affectionate supporter of Goldsworthy’s.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Tall, affectionate and funny, Charles moved through life demanding moral clarity, which could be intimidating, Savannah said.
—Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Brent Lang, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
In 2022 the most excellent Michael Dirda, on the occasion—sigh—of Book World’s all-too-short rebirth, wrote an affectionate and informative inside history of the supplement.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
The Duke has become an affectionate supporter of Goldsworthy’s.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Tall, affectionate and funny, Charles moved through life demanding moral clarity, which could be intimidating, Savannah said.
—Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affectionate
Adjective
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There was choreographed dancing, a DJ, and mounted posters of Flemister where people could write loving words in colorful markers.—
Laura Turbay,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
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The Lindner family released a statement following the death of Christopher Lindner, describing him as a loving, kind, Christ Jesus follower, husband, and father of four who had suffered from mental illness.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
20 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 2026.
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