Synonyms of amiable

amiable

adjective

ˈā-mē-ə-bəl 

as in gracious

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations

the owner of the inn is an amiable, talkative widow who treats guests like family

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gracious
• pleasant
• nice
• sweet
• affable
• friendly
• agreeable
• good-natured
• genial
• cheerful
• delightful
• good-tempered
• mellow
• attractive
• clever
• well-disposed
• polite
• kind
• gentle
• thoughtful
• amicable
• benign
• cordial
• neighborly
• civil
• enjoyable
• courteous
• cheery
• sociable
• considerate
• sunny
• likable
• conversable
• companionable
• amenable
• glad
• obliging
• accommodating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unpleasant
• disagreeable
• ungracious
• unamiable
• surly
• unkind
• boorish
• rude
• discourteous
• irascible
• irritable
• unsociable
• inconsiderate
• unmannerly
• cantankerous
• uncivil
• impolite
• petulant
• peevish
• ungenial
• grumpy
• snappish
• grouchy
• dyspeptic
• ill-natured
• bilious
• contrary
• churlish
• choleric
• cranky
• touchy
• ill-tempered
• testy
• fussy
• crabby
• querulous
• contentious
• ornery
• argumentative
• ill-mannered
• bearish
• unattractive
• ill-humored
• unappealing
• sour
• quick-tempered
• vinegary

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

Recent Examples of amiable

Matt Lucas and Marina Prior’s Thénardiers are boisterous and charming — more amiable sleazes than menacing scumbags, if that tracks. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026

The most stunning exchange of Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing to serve as attorney general came in response to an amiable question. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

The amiable service at the onsite restaurant, The Whistling Grizzly, is just as good as the food—be sure to try the carrot cake or blood orange crème brûlée for dessert. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

The Wylkes Society’s members include many of the amiable oddballs Miles has met around town. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!