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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 Actually, the next four weeks will be extra popular and sociable for you. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 July 2025 Petplan experts say that, because the breed is sociable and gentle, golden retrievers tend to get along well with felines, especially if they are introduced early and are happy around each other. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 Grant engaged in a very sociable conversation with the Queen and her sister, then settled in. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 Imperioli will star as Dutch, an accomplished Italian chef who owns a restaurant in the Bronx, a stalwart establishment that is also a front for Dutch’s less sociable activities, such as running a criminal enterprise. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • They’re perfectly matched — Julian is the quiet, observant one while Fleur is chatty, outgoing and ambitious.
    Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Video appeared to show demonstrators ransacking the outgoing prime minister’s private residence on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
    Sugam Pokharel, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Percussion and a choir imbued the ballad with a pulse, and the gracious Warren quickly turned to clap for the singers at song’s end.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 63-year-old chef helms the kitchen at Vila Joya—the restaurant of a gracious boutique hotel in Portugal that shares its name—which earned one Michelin star in 1995 and a second in 1999.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Baldwins have been a public lightning rod with their outspoken political views and social-media controversies.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This was followed by science & research, and social analysis and planning.
    Dylan Butts Shreya Ghosal, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The practice also offers a calm, welcoming environment where doctors have time to be hospitable, offering patients coffee and snacks.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
  • La Masa has earned a reputation for outstanding food, a warm and hospitable guest experience, and a menu that appeals to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • From art and music at the museum to Oktoberfest beers and block parties, the calendar is stacked with events that range from family-friendly to nightlife-ready.
    Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The bootcut bottoms come in a petite-friendly 27-inch inseam, which, according to the product’s description, fits those 5-foot-3 and under.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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