1
2
3

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 The sociable lamb also appeared to enjoy the attention from its human audience, basking in the affection and excitement. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 Zookeepers and guests are mourning a beloved, sociable tortoise who lived for well over 100 years before dying at the St. Louis Zoo. Rhiannon Saegert, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2025 However, a new study has found that with their naturally calm and sociable personalities, some cats may thrive in this role too. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 Many involve Hitler suddenly transforming into a charming, sociable fellow. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • There will be more incoming and outgoing transfers at Anfield before the start of the 2025/26 season, but Liverpool has clearly made the decision to strengthen from a position of power.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • The rule in question, known as the Roadless Rule, was first issued by the outgoing Clinton administration in 2001.
    Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • To their credit, the Heat have been gracious in their credit to the Panthers.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • The food was unfussy and full-flavored, the service gracious, and the staff — from the spa therapists to the bakers — seemed genuinely happy to be here.
    Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Jimmy Swaggart, a televangelist and gospel singer whose fall from grace in the late 1980s made national headlines, has died, according to a social media post published by his ministry.
    Bob Smietana, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • Kurt’s key takeaways Meta’s decision to turn chatbot prompts into social content has blurred the line between private and public in a way that catches many users off guard.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Italy has, nevertheless, been experiencing a surge in wealthy arrivals — both to visit and live — as its more hospitable flat-tax regime and booming luxury real estate sector have proved a draw whereas other countries have sought to crack down on the uber-rich.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 27 June 2025
  • But the temporary win for researchers doesn’t mean the NIH under Trump will necessarily become newly hospitable to grant proposals concerning PrEP implementation.
    Benjamin Ryan, NBC news, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • A week filled with fun videos of puppies trying to master the stairs and a friendly doggy neighbor making his rounds brightened our social media timelines, but a few of our readers' pet videos and pictures stood out.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • This is a guide that is both a friendly flower refresher course for the veteran gardener and a wonderful introduction to flowers for the novice.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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!