Definition of amiablenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word amiable distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of amiable are complaisant, good-natured, and obliging. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When is complaisant a more appropriate choice than amiable?

The words complaisant and amiable can be used in similar contexts, but complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

Where would good-natured be a reasonable alternative to amiable?

While the synonyms good-natured and amiable are close in meaning, good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

When could obliging be used to replace amiable?

The synonyms obliging and amiable are sometimes interchangeable, but obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

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 amiable The new hire was Mike Brown, a funny, amiable man, who, at least outwardly, looks to have a converse personality to Thibodeau. Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2026 Further, Lewis was fun to be around, amiable and thoughtful, maybe candid to a fault. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026 Rebecca S’Manga Frank plays Corrina, an amiable new waitress at Wally’s who tips Kenneth off that there might be an opening at one of the banks, as well as a litany of other walk-on roles, including additional waitstaff at Wally’s and bank customers who test Kenneth’s composure. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 Yoshi and all his kin, being amiable sorts, agree to help. Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for amiable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amiable
Adjective
  • Cultural values such as achieving harmony between cultures; and slow, gracious [economic] growth.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 June 2026
  • Even in old age, Pinkie remained a gracious host.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Founded by Marc-André Roy and Jared Etzel in 2012, Domaine Roy & Fils is known for its elegant interpretations of Burgundy-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, so this complex but somewhat lighthearted rosé comes as a pleasant surprise.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
  • Beautiful Friday evening in Baltimore Temperatures will cool back into the 70s after sunset, with a pleasant breeze and low humidity - beautiful for the opening evening of AFRAM.
    Cutter Martin, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The rooms with bunk beds and lodges are especially nice for spreading out a bit, and are a quick walk from the main building hosting the restaurant and a beautiful library/lounge on the upper floor (yet another great Northern Lights spot).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • But just something would have been nice.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Amiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amiable. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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