1
as in passions
a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone
an elderly couple showing their affection for each other by little acts of kindness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in diseases
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
born with a heart affection that later caused him problems
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in inclinations
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing
I'm rooting for the Cubs—just my natural affection for the underdog, I guess
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in characteristics
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
religion, of one kind or another, is an affection common to every society known to have existed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of affections
Alienation of affections was largely recognized in the 1800s as a tort for when a female spouse was whisked away from her husband by a third party.
—
Chad De Guzman, Time, 16 Jan. 2026
But anyone willing to consider the thicket of fears, affections and recriminations that grows through the cracks of a long relationship will find in these pages an almost unbearable tenderness.
—Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Lucy is crazy about him, but Schroeder has no interest in her affections.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
And his kids aren't the only ones receiving his affections, Rocky said.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Elan Mastai, who wrote What If, has heard that Reiner was very touched that the film wore its affections for his work on its sleeve.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
Lea Myren stars as Elvira, who finds herself in competition with her stepsister Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) for the affections of Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth).
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
However, parasocial relationships can take a bizarre or even ominous turn when the object of one’s affections is a chatbot.
—Roger J. Kreuz, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025
The two then face off in a competition to win over the affections of the family, each plotting against the other.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025
Chad De Guzman, Time, 16 Jan. 2026
But anyone willing to consider the thicket of fears, affections and recriminations that grows through the cracks of a long relationship will find in these pages an almost unbearable tenderness.
—Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Lucy is crazy about him, but Schroeder has no interest in her affections.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
And his kids aren't the only ones receiving his affections, Rocky said.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Elan Mastai, who wrote What If, has heard that Reiner was very touched that the film wore its affections for his work on its sleeve.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
Lea Myren stars as Elvira, who finds herself in competition with her stepsister Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) for the affections of Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth).
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
However, parasocial relationships can take a bizarre or even ominous turn when the object of one’s affections is a chatbot.
—Roger J. Kreuz, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025
The two then face off in a competition to win over the affections of the family, each plotting against the other.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affections
Noun
-
The architect ultimately bonds with — and quickly becomes attracted to — his friend’s wife (Pamela Gidley), and as the two of them pursue their passions together, secrets from the architect’s past and family bubble to the surface.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Agne’s other passions are golfing and fishing.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Supplements can’t claim to treat specific diseases or medical conditions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
There are over 10,000 rare diseases — 95% of which don't have a cure.—
Brad Quick,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This is the standard for ramp inclinations that are usable for most people, especially wheelchair users.—
K. Desbouis,
Artforum,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Trump’s inclinations to make every race about him could foul this for the GOP.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Riboua argued that the Guards’ ideology can be mainly characterized by a pragmatism with hardliner characteristics.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The interactive Olaf can speak and engage in conversations, and his mannerisms and characteristics are spot on.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Both ailments required offseason surgery.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
-
These bacteria are known to cause a host of ailments, including listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Guillain-Barré syndrome, miscarriage, brucellosis, chronic inflammatory conditions, reactive arthritis and death.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Five patterns surfaced again and again—not as hard rules, but as common tendencies among people for whom reading is not a hobby so much as a way of moving through the world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Genetics linked to a breed help shape common behavioral tendencies, though individual dogs may vary.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Clicking into the title will give you even more information, including a blurb about what parents need to know, a breakdown of potential concerns and positive qualities about the book, and reviews from kids.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Many plants are admired for their striking aesthetic qualities, and flowers such as tulips, lilies, sunflowers, and daisies beautify fields, gardens, windowsills, and bouquets the world over.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As a result, illnesses commonly spread via milk became less prevalent.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Over half of the illnesses are in children younger than 5.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affections.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affections. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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