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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 Riley Moss was the sociable hermit in the caverns of Iowa’s practice facility. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025 Indeed, many of these behaviors—practicing gratitude and being more sociable, for instance—have been well studied for years and found to be beneficial to the doer or giver. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2025 Lilly is a Libra who has a creative and sociable side to her, which isn’t in line with Harper’s vibe. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 For example, short-nosed dogs are innately less friendly toward other dogs, but this is offset by their youth (younger dogs are typically more sociable). Laura Baisas Aug 6, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • The figures were outgoing Spanish Prime Minister Adolfo Suárez, Santiago Carrillo, head of the Spanish Communist Party, and armed forces chief Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado who, though a frail near-70, got up to order the rebel Guards to lay down their arms.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • She also is not allowed to have a cell phone, but her room has a landline that only makes outgoing calls.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The comments section quickly sided with the gracious host.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The influencer was gracious about her departure, though.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With nearly one-third of Los Angeles County's 10 million residents being foreign-born, the declaration has significant social and economic implications, especially for immigrant and mixed-status families.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • London said she was inspired to run as a first-time candidate because of the current social and political backdrop.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Vacherot triumphed 6-3, 6-4, to reach his first ATP final at tour level, moving one match away from capping one of the most extraordinary performances of the year, in the part of the season most hospitable to the unexpected.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Owner and innkeeper John Lavin took over the three-story home, built in 1890, in 2021, and the property continues to charm guests with its creative design, hospitable amenities, and home-away-from-home atmosphere.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Family-friendly entertainment includes ballet folklórico dance, classic car show by Viejitos Car Club, and musical performances by Mariachi Del Mar, Los Gringos Muertos Band and Smooth Groove.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The French fashion house’s new ads, which break in print on Thursday, show Stone and fellow brand ambassador Hoyeon touting the Capucines and Side Trunk bags in fall-friendly colors ranging from cognac to deep navy and taupe.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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