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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 Indeed, many of these behaviors—practicing gratitude and being more sociable, for instance—have been well studied for years and found to be beneficial to the doer or giver. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2025 Lilly is a Libra who has a creative and sociable side to her, which isn’t in line with Harper’s vibe. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 In terms of sociability towards other dogs, while there was previously no difference, after adjusting for age, brachycephalic dogs were actually less sociable than long-nosed dogs. New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2025 For example, short-nosed dogs are innately less friendly toward other dogs, but this is offset by their youth (younger dogs are typically more sociable). Laura Baisas Aug 6, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • Some of the ‘headroom’ generated by Isak’s sale was already used up in advance on Woltemade and Wissa, though the way incoming and outgoing transfers are booked in the accounts means there is still lots of room for manoeuvre.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • As the fest kicked off, The Hollywood Reporter caught up with outgoing director José Luis Rebordinos, who went into more depth about the decision to honor Lawrence.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But these aren’t gods in oh-so-gracious robes or with armor or holding lightning bolts in their hands.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Though McCartney was seemingly gracious in his attendance, comparisons between Oasis and The Beatles have been rife over the years, some of which were even spearheaded by members of Oasis themselves.
    Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the hardest parts of shelter life is social isolation.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • More than a decade later, the series continues to reimagine American histories and channel primal fears — from clowns and cults, to witches and ghosts — with each installment cloaked in social commentary and camp.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Owner and innkeeper John Lavin took over the three-story home, built in 1890, in 2021, and the property continues to charm guests with its creative design, hospitable amenities, and home-away-from-home atmosphere.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, recent increases in overnight temperatures in Texas may have made the region more hospitable to tropical species, which could explain green jays’ expansion north, according to Keitt.
    Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The area also features a red mini fridge for easy access to snacks and drinks, and a custom bath with kid-friendly touches, like step-stools to reach the trough sink, alphabet artwork, and a large jar full of bath toys.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The most-balanced wide receiver prospect in America, Tyson is a terrific blocker with QB-friendly tendencies and the size to play anywhere.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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