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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
  • Indeed, calculations by Fortune showed tariff revenue (around $30 billion a month) won’t cover a fraction of the outgoing monthly payments to service the debt, let alone pay down the top-line figure.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The Neue Klasse architecture’s first production model, which replaces the outgoing iX3 EV, and BMW is leaning hard into its sustainability and use of recycled and upcycled materials.
    Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Jon Voigt was also very gracious and became part of my narrative.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
  • While Judge would surely be gracious about Raleigh beating his mark, the fact is that their teams were within a half-game of each other in the standings at the conclusion of play on Monday night.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 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
  • 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
  • These classic stays have always matched the Scottish capital’s more measured, thoughtful rhythm—grand yet accessible, historic but deeply hospitable.
    Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 15 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 5 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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