Synonyms of sociable

sociable

adjective

ˈsō-shə-bəl 

1

as in outgoing

likely to seek or enjoy the company of others

he's an intensely sociable child, even prone to fits of depression when he's left alone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• outgoing
• social
• hospitable
• friendly
• companionable
• convivial
• gregarious
• extroverted
• cheerful
• lively
• extraverted
• spirited
• talkative
• jolly
• gracious
• clubby
• clubbable
• animated
• communicative
• boon
• amiable
• gay
• clubable
• congenial
• cordial
• affable
• bright
• jovial
• kindly
• genial
• agreeable
• expansive
• folksy
• neighborly
• vivacious
• forthcoming
• perky
• garrulous
• sprightly
• bubbly
• peppy
• upbeat
• buoyant
• exuberant
• jaunty
• effervescent
• chipper
• pert
• high-spirited
• sprightful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• antisocial
• unsociable
• unsocial
• introverted
• reclusive
• misanthropic
• aloof
• distant
• cool
• cold
• detached
• remote
• standoffish
• insociable
• reserved
• frosty
• silent
• nongregarious
• reticent
• mute
• mum
• taciturn

2

as in gracious

showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations

a pleasant and sociable hostess who puts everyone instantly at ease

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gracious
• hospitable
• friendly
• polite
• thoughtful
• outgoing
• affable
• cordial
• genial
• amiable
• kindly
• congenial
• convivial
• kind
• benign
• agreeable
• courteous
• neighborly
• considerate
• cosmopolitan
• obliging
• attentive
• accommodating
• sophisticated
• benignant
• urbane
• approachable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unsociable
• inhospitable
• ungracious
• ungenial
• boorish
• churlish
• antisocial
• sharp
• blunt
• brusque
• abrupt
• gruff
• disagreeable
• unfriendly
• curt
• sullen
• rude
• surly
• unkind
• snippy
• impolite
• discourteous
• uncivil
• unmannerly
• cross
• grumpy
• crusty
• crabby
• brusk
• crabbed
• ill-mannered

3

as in social

tending to group with others of the same kind

the sociable weaverbird breeds in large umbrella-shaped nests

Synonyms & Similar Words

• social
• colonial
• parasitical
• gregarious
• parasitic
• dependent
• associational
• symbiotic
• consociational
• subsocial
• precocial

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• solitary
• nonsocial
• independent
• autonomous
• semiautonomous
• self-sufficient
• self-contained
• unsociable
• altricial
• reclusive
• lone
• semi-independent
• self-sustaining
• self-supporting
• self-subsistent
• recluse

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

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