Definition of sociablenext
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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 breed, often described as sociable and smart, can also be stubborn. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025 Both are charming, sociable and irresistible, drawing others in while on daily walks or at any gathering. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 Despite always seeming to be hungry, Clark said Sanaa was a kind, sociable and curious little girl. Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 29 Sep. 2025 Most members of the sandpiper family tend to be sociable. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • The central bank voted 10-2 Wednesday to keep rates steady, and outgoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated there was broad support for that stance among voting and non-voting members on the Federal Open Market Committee.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Clark ran as a reformer in 2019, aiming to replace outgoing mayor Eric Kellogg, who had been prevented from running for reelection by term limits.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Through gracious moves and quiet motion, his presence adds more drama to a simple image.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • My colleagues were more than gracious enough to take some time out of their day to taste-test copious amounts of chocolate.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Suzie juggles counselors, nurses, social workers, community agencies, and teachers--retelling her story again and again just to solve one problem.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Worker Justice Center, an advocacy and research institution that partners with labor unions and community groups to address labor rights and social justice.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Don’t overlook any of these taxpayer-friendly changes, including the higher income limits for the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, for people living in states with higher taxes.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • After this, Roggeveen decided to send two sloops and three other boats to shore and make friendly introductions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Notably, young calves have thinner blubber and more limited thermal insulation than adults, which makes warmer breeding areas much more hospitable than the frigid Arctic seas.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Though the Lisle arboretum has no cacao trees — the Midwest isn’t a hospitable growing climate — there will be a number of workshops and plenty of chocolate on sale.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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