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
This viral moment struck a chord with many pet owners familiar with the breed’s affectionate and often clingy behavior.
—
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
In honor of the teen's milestone birthday, Hayek paid tribute to Pinault with a pair of affectionate Instagram posts.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
His daughter, Willa (the luminous Chase Infiniti, in her first film), is affectionate but short with him.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
There is ample research showing that affectionate touch can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and enhance feelings of attachment, providing a physiological foundation for connection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
In honor of the teen's milestone birthday, Hayek paid tribute to Pinault with a pair of affectionate Instagram posts.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
His daughter, Willa (the luminous Chase Infiniti, in her first film), is affectionate but short with him.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
There is ample research showing that affectionate touch can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and enhance feelings of attachment, providing a physiological foundation for connection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affectionate
Adjective
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Ultimately, Gibson rehomed his two adult dogs and their three puppies in safe, loving homes.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
7 Oct. 2025
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Tyler is being remembered as a loving brother, uncle and son.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectionate. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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