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Synonym Chooser

How is the word affection distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of affection are emotion, feeling, passion, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How are the words emotion and feeling related as synonyms of affection?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When is feeling a more appropriate choice than affection?

Although the words feeling and affection have much in common, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

In what contexts can passion take the place of affection?

The meanings of passion and affection largely overlap; however, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When would sentiment be a good substitute for affection?

In some situations, the words sentiment and affection are roughly equivalent. However, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of affection Actor Joshua Jackson has reflected on a river of emotions flowing through the Dawson's Creek cast — including his enduring affection for coster and former girlfriend Katie Holmes. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025 In Doyle’s survey, 334 respondents rated physical affection, such as hugs or cuddling, even higher than physical intimacy in bringing them true happiness. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 With no evident purpose, Trump has alienated Europe, Japan, Mexico, and Canada, further undermined NATO, and made even more plain his affection for Vladimir Putin. David Remnick, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025 But [Amy and Dan’s] affection for people — for ballet — comes from a purebred heart. Zoe G. Phillips, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affection
Noun
  • Fast causal chain Shake Shack has decided to spread the love beginning Thursday, May 1 with a rotating schedule of free burger creations to add to a purchase of $10 or more.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • This is hardly the first time Diplo’s shown the love for the unincorporated area about 15 miles southwest of downtown Miami.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • While much research is still needed into the disease’s progression, Edgerly said people can take steps to potentially reduce their risk.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Pakistan is writing a new story of hope in which every child can survive and thrive and communities are protected from this preventable disease.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In 2010, for example, literary scholar Julie Brown suggested that renowned American poet Emily Dickinson had characteristics – such as sensory issues, social quirkiness and a savant’s command of language – that align with those of some individuals on the autism spectrum.
    Bradley J. Irish, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Users still can't control the number of speakers, their demographic characteristics, accents, or conversation length.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Waiting for a new record, without knowing if anything is coming at all, seems to have become a primary act of their devotion.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 1 May 2025
  • Known for his Marian devotion—which encourages piety and seeks the intercession of the Virgin Mary—and strict doctrinal stances, he is viewed as a potential challenger to Parolin, especially in early voting rounds and has odds of 7/1.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pet owners should watch for signs of illness and consult a veterinarian with concerns, according to Douglas County health officials.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
  • As of April 1, no illnesses had been reported, Walker's Wine Juice said.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Australia’s giant kangaroos of yesteryear were likely homebodies — and that inclination ultimately did them in.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Even if both premises are correct—that Putin has Hitlerian inclinations and wants to expand into eastern Europe—Western societies may struggle to mobilize the requisite political will and economic resources to contend with the threat.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, what remains unchanged in towns across America is the quality and trustworthiness of local experts; the individuals who serve as pillars of their communities.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Currently on sale for under $50, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are an affordable but quality option for Samsung users.
    Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affection. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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