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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 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
  • The researchers also compiled data on four key negative social conditions – corruption, inequality, poverty and violence – of 183 countries and all 50 US states, going back 20 years to see if there was a connection.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 20 June 2025
  • Zion, a gripping film exposing social issues in Guadeloupe, was the premiere feature film shown on opening night of the five-day festival.
    Essence, Essence, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iranians are extremely friendly, warm and hospitable and enjoy nothing more than inviting guests into their homes for a meal.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 17 June 2025
  • Its people have always been open to the world and constantly reshaped by it, unfailingly hospitable and ready to adapt.
    Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 16 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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