Definition of affinitynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun affinity differ from other similar words?

The words attraction and sympathy are common synonyms of affinity. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When might attraction be a better fit than affinity?

While in some cases nearly identical to affinity, attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

When would sympathy be a good substitute for affinity?

In some situations, the words sympathy and affinity are roughly equivalent. However, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

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 affinity Almost nine years after their awkward handshake at the 2017 Bastille Day military parade, the two men politely shook hands and expressed their affinity for each other. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026 Residents in Redstone Township often come to feed the ducks, and there is an affinity for the animals. Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 13 June 2026 The second-eldest of five was known for his affinity for anime and Icees. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 Adamolekun has leaned into cultural cachet, betting that celebrity affinity from the likes of Snoop Dogg, Ciara, and Ice Cube would restore the brand’s luster. Rita Omokha, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for affinity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affinity
Noun
  • The future of talent acquisition will require hiring more for aptitude, adaptability and leadership potential—and less for perfectly linear résumés.
    Dr. Milpha Blamo, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • The North Korean players’ physical aptitude was clear, but coaches were aware of their technical and tactical shortcomings.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • An African nation bounded by the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to its north has prospered a kinship in a town located in a state literally smack-dab in the middle of America — a town whose new college football stadium is accented by light towers made to represent wheat.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
  • Exploring themes of prejudice, kinship and resilience, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store earned the best book of the year title from a list of publications, including TIME and The New York Times.
    Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • At its most fundamental, leadership exists because humans are simultaneously competitive and cooperative — and the balance between these two tendencies determines everything.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Even the most memorable new character, Forky (Tony Hale)—an endearingly daffy piece of plastic cutlery with a tendency toward self-harm—could only reinforce the sense that we were being served a load of flimsy, disposable goods.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Rejoining would also generate yet more uncertainty for companies which are only just adapting to the new trading relationship, said Sean McGuire, a director at the Confederation of British Industry, a business lobby group.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Burdette, leveraging his brother’s connections with college athletes, and his natural inclination to bring the party, had recruited agents who were younger and more fun than Pughsley’s original crowd.
    Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
  • Choosing a college major has always felt like a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries—new engineering and computer science grads earn more than those with English degrees.
    Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Starting around September, Morejon said, the DDA will work with several landscape architect firms to create potential design concepts for the park and reach out to community members, civic associations and the city’s parks and recreation advisory board for feedback.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
  • An Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield spokesperson did not answer the Courant’s questions but instead asked that questions be directed to Susan Halpin, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Health Plans, who is listed as a lobbyist for the association.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • At one point, Jessie befriends a gang of tech toys that includes a low-tech potty-training product named Smarty Pants, along with GPS and camera devices Atlas and Snappy.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • The suspects arrested allegedly planned to target senior government officials with small, armed drones; no devices were launched.
    Larry Seward, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Municipal workers are developing a new low-level drinking water connection to supply the city's approximately 7,300 residents, hotels, businesses and the golf course as the lake level falls, Geller added.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Organizers hope the event will inspire meaningful conversations about representation in books while encouraging a stronger connection between readers and creators.
    Amari Riley, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affinity. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on affinity

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster