Definition of sociablenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sociable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sociable are affable, cordial, genial, and gracious. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

In what contexts can affable take the place of sociable?

Although the words affable and sociable have much in common, affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When could cordial be used to replace sociable?

While in some cases nearly identical to sociable, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

Where would genial be a reasonable alternative to sociable?

In some situations, the words genial and sociable are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When is gracious a more appropriate choice than sociable?

While the synonyms gracious and sociable are close in meaning, gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

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 sociable Konstantin, 4, a sociable boy, is often frightened by loud noises and guards, his parents said. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026 Venus, planet of connection, is twirling into your sociable 11th house, enhancing group ties and reminding your independent heart to welcome supportive networks. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026 This is especially vital as Mars in your 4th House of Memory zaps Chiron in your sociable 7th house. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026 Diane was a quirky, sociable tomboy with a natural gift for making people laugh. Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • It’s been an eventful awards season for Ejiofor, an outgoing senior, who was previously named the Big East’s Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, as well as the Big East Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • An outgoing email, attributed to George and confirmed as authentic by CBS News on Saturday, circulated online after his ousting.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Not a good idea when your intention is to be gracious.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Bottom-liners had also nixed Gehry’s original design for a more gracious lobby with a cafe out front, not the gloomy one installed against his will.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever the current state of social relations on the set may be, the movies themselves have stratified, in the same way that economic relations have done in the twenty-first century.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Baena wrote in a social media post celebrating his winning streak.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The moody Moon in your artistic 5th house and heavyweight Jupiter in your friendly 11th house are in opposition, pitting personal flair against community needs.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Made from extra-durable, knife-friendly material, each board resists moisture, supports hygiene, and stands up to daily wear.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The city might be hospitable because humans have reduced the numbers of predators like rats and cats around restaurants and buildings.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • With the two-party system less hospitable to third parties, political experts say Democratic Socialists are competing for influence within the Democratic Party – similar to what La Follette did in the Republican Party.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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