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 After years of a legal battle where both sides won key judgments, officials chalked up the apparently amiable end to new personalities at the top of each agency. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025 The performances were too amiable and not particularly satirical (much like the real-life Harris’s own appearance on the show). Dave Itzkoff, New York Times, 19 May 2025 There's a little sprinkled throughout, but these all-stars are by and large gracious and amiable. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025 The radical left has become more and more like the characters in a Charles Dickens novel, crammed to the seams with amiable idiots and moral monstrosities. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for amiable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amiable
Adjective
  • Everyone on set was so gracious and created such a safe space.
    Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 5 June 2025
  • Though the mill and its towering chimney are long gone, the house remains—gracious, elegant, and full of period charm.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Comedy is also having a moment because of people are looking for a pleasant escape given the political nightmare currently gripping this nation.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • This modern adaptation of a traditional country farmhouse features a welcoming front porch, which has ample room for two or three people to sit and relax on a pleasant day.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • That this wrap-up happens on the stoop of an apartment building provides a nice callback to Past Lives.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
  • Reyes was a nice spring training story, but the Yankees were fooled by meaningless February and March stats.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Amiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amiable. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on amiable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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