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 At peak times, the bus is uncomfortably crowded, but the locals are sociable. Kristina Kasparian, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026 At the Marriott, though, a sunny, more sociable side of Yanxiao seemed to come out. Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026 Maui was lively and sociable—even being in the lobby for cocktail hour in the evening, with live music and amazing cocktails, was a really lovely vibe. Lisa Aiken, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026 Konstantin, 4, a sociable boy, is often frightened by loud noises and guards, his parents said. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • Might want to take a peek at the weather in Cancun, too, though trip prices this time of year might be expensive given the Sixers just bought the latest outgoing flight.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
  • Reform came second and Labour a distant third in one of its most historic heartlands, with outgoing First Minister Eluned Morgan losing her seat.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Miss Manners suspects that many would be miffed — not only the mothers absent that day, but also (and perhaps especially) the non-parents who are gracious about concessions made to parents when their personal duties conflict with work.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
  • At the Gotham Bar, ask the team for Conrad, cheerful and gracious, who can suggest a martini for your mood.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Prior to her death, Katherine built a career as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles, focusing on therapy and mental health advocacy after studying psychology at New York University and earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • In another tape, also viewed by social workers, Guojun enters a classroom shortly after a teacher has kicked and pummelled his four-year-old son to the ground.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • The two clubs share many similarities beyond playing a friendly in 2014 and doing business in the form of Nicola Sansone’s transfer a decade ago.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • The conversation will revisit favorite character moments from the series and give fans an inside look at the process of filming the animal-friendly period piece.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Aerating also leads to healthier lawns by creating an environment that is less hospitable to grubs.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
  • Repair bare spots in the lawn to make your yard less hospitable for ground-nesting bees.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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