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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 While some cat breeds, such as rag dolls or Maine coons, are considered more sociable, the researchers did not examine differences in behavior based on breed. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025 And while there’s a sociable air at Chora’s tavernas, there’s no queuing for a table. Lee Cobaj, Robb Report, 1 May 2025 The sociable town mascot lived his entire nine lives in Harmony, passing in 1995 at the ripe old age of 22. Kathe Tanner, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • When leadership transitions start quietly, those closest to the outgoing person are often treated with caution or suspicion.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • What was meant to be a tribute to the district's outgoing superintendent has raised questions for Jefferson County Board of Education members about how district leaders are spending a massive donation, particularly without board oversight or approval.
    Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The man was gifted, gracious, often generous and seldom mean-spirited.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2025
  • But goodness gracious, the Rockies are only (14-36) under Schaeffer after going 7-33 under Black.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, social connection lifts our mood and benefits health overall — and friends can hold people accountable when building new, healthy habits.
    Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • Compared to a lot of other activities, games have this huge social mould.
    Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Warm and deeply hospitable, with some of the best food in the world and a flourishing art and design scene, the country's capital is a great place to visit any time.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025
  • Most people think of Madison as the Wisconsin city most hospitable to cyclists but the state’s largest city is making strides.
    Jessica Van Egeren, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Instead of an origin story, Peter is thrown into the stressful situation of navigating high school life, being a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and crushing on the daughter of Michael Keaton's villainous Vulture.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • But if oil prices remain middling, even friendly policies might not compel companies to significantly ramp up drilling.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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