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

Many involve Hitler suddenly transforming into a charming, sociable fellow. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025

For more sociable dogs, another good option is day care. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025

The hallmarks of extraversion include being sociable and assertive, as well as expressing more positive emotions and seeking more stimulation than the opposite personality – the more reserved and risk-averse introverts. —Virginia Thomas, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025

Puppy schools serve a dual purpose: fostering confident and sociable behaviors in young dogs and enhancing the bond between pet and owner through structured learning experiences. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for sociable

• negotiable
• unsociable
• nonnegotiable

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