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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 Most members of the sandpiper family tend to be sociable. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Riley Moss was the sociable hermit in the caverns of Iowa’s practice facility. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 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 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
  • It’s not required to rid society of the outgoing sexiest man.
    Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Each is seeking to replace outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan, who is opting to run for governor in 2026.
    Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Our recipe hails from Mary Ada Marshall, a resident of Smith Island, who was gracious enough to share her recipe.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
  • For example, Juliette Binoche was gracious enough to come this year.
    Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The firm is also a member of this year’s Change the World list, which highlights companies that are doing social good through their business models.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This sounds quite a bit like the scale-at-all-costs mentality of any other social platform.
    Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Coach Outlet is stocked with buttery-soft leather backpacks, stylish crossbody bags, and even small accessories, such as pocket-friendly card cases and sturdy luggage tags, all of which are up to 70 percent off their retail price.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The brand offers dozens of high-quality sheets in cozy, breathable fabrics at wallet-friendly prices.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Deep in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Ohio and Indiana, the dessert menu at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, a hospitable chain of family-style restaurants, features a pecan pie of grand design.
    Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Vacherot triumphed 6-3, 6-4, to reach his first ATP final at tour level, moving one match away from capping one of the most extraordinary performances of the year, in the part of the season most hospitable to the unexpected.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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