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Synonym Chooser

How is the word affable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to affable?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When can genial be used instead of affable?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When would gracious be a good substitute for affable?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

In what contexts can sociable take the place of affable?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

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 affable The bilingual Havana native previously managed the Marlins and is known as an affable, media-friendly guy. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Is Smith the answer at first base for the rest of the season, or just a reasonable, affable stop-gap before the trade deadline? Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 Serkis, of course, can’t resist playing a couple of parts himself and takes on the affable Rooster and Farmer Jones. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 June 2025 Whether to get some space from his inanity, be able to spend more time with her ex-boyfriend, or simply encourage him to be a person, Tammy urges Craig to make friends with Austin (Paul Rudd), the affable evening news weatherman who moves in down the street. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for affable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • But Lacan comes in with a fresh slate, unaffected by the team’s struggles through the early part of the season.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • The bottom 20% of earners are largely unaffected by either policy, as they already aren’t taxed on Social Security payments and largely have their tax liability wiped out through other deductions before the senior tax deduction would apply.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The man was gifted, gracious, often generous and seldom mean-spirited.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2025
  • But goodness gracious, the Rockies are only (14-36) under Schaeffer after going 7-33 under Black.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Warm and deeply hospitable, with some of the best food in the world and a flourishing art and design scene, the country's capital is a great place to visit any time.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025
  • Most people think of Madison as the Wisconsin city most hospitable to cyclists but the state’s largest city is making strides.
    Jessica Van Egeren, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Visitors have their pick of food options, including coastal cuisine, farm-to-table meals, and casual spots with live music.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
  • Corrie and Shuai Wang, owners of North Charleston’s popular Jackrabbit Filly, opened King BBQ in a casual diner-style space in late 2023.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Like, so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Like so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Djo skates between falsetto and mellow, talky vocals with moments of funky, emphatic annunciation.
    airmail.news, airmail.news, 5 July 2025
  • Claire Riley, who just graduated from Amundsen, was leading a band from the School of Rock in singing mellow renditions of Avril Lavigne and Melissa Etheridge hits.
    Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Boca Raton, Florida Boca Raton is where upscale meets easygoing.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
  • After all, there’s something about the region’s unspoiled natural beauty, superlative hospitality, and easygoing pace that instantly prompts shoulders to relax and stress to melt away.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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