sociable

1 of 2

adjective

so·​cia·​ble ˈsō-shə-bəl 

1

: inclined by nature to companionship with others of the same species : social

2

a

: inclined to seek or enjoy companionship

b

: marked by or conducive to friendliness or pleasant social relations

sociableness noun

sociably

ˈsō-shə-blē 

adverb

sociable

2 of 2

noun

: an informal social gathering frequently involving a special activity or interest

Synonyms

Adjective

• boon
• clubbable
• clubable
• clubby
• companionable
• convivial
• extroverted
• extraverted
• gregarious
• outgoing
• social

Choose the Right Synonym for sociable

gracious, cordial, affable, genial, sociable mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse.

gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Examples of sociable in a Sentence

Adjective

They are sociable people who enjoy having parties.

They had a very sociable evening.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Prominent bird expert and behavioral ecologist Darryl Jones from Griffith University said magpies are highly intelligent and sociable birds. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024

And being someone who is very sociable, and my sister and my brother ... —Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 26 Feb. 2024

Indiana Jones hates snakes, but a new species is named after Harrison Ford Guinea pigs are popular pets, known to be sociable and living up to seven years, according to the Humane Society of the United States. —Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2024

The sociable pet is also a hit with schoolchildren and the attendees of the amputee support groups Mengel visits. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 31 Jan. 2024

His colleagues came to know a charming, sociable young man who was slightly neurotic but precociously assured in his tastes, and so polite that his madcap plays came as a surprise. —Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2024

Highly sociable and fondly remembered leaders of the society, Emil’s portrait can still be found in the Hall of Presidents, while Marie is immortalized in the minds of members for her stylishness and red hair. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023

Attractive candidates may be perceived as more competent, confident and sociable, even if these traits are unrelated to the job requirements (appearance bias or lookism). —Naira Velumyan, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

Traveling and partying with your friends seems like the perfect present for sociable Sagittarius. —Essence Lifestyle, Essence, 10 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin sociabilis, from sociare to join, associate, from socius

First Known Use

Adjective

1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1750, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sociable

1 of 2 adjective

so·​cia·​ble ˈsō-shə-bəl 

1

: likely to seek or enjoy companionship : affable, friendly

sociable people

2

: leading to friendliness or pleasant social relations

sociably

-blē 

adverb

sociable

2 of 2 noun

: social entry 2

Etymology

Adjective

from early French sociable "social, sociable," from Latin sociabilis (same meaning), from sociare "to join, associate," from socius "ally, companion" — related to associate