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affable

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adjective

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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 affability
Adjective
Von, an infectiously affable guy with a mullet, presents himself as a curious goofball with essentially no prior knowledge on any topic. Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025 His supporting team is affable (love you, Rich; love you, Saymo), and his format is sound. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025 As the violence escalates, the more affable Ray and the more emotionally brittle Manny see their friendship and sanity tested, setting off an explosive chain of reckless events. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025 An affable, mustachioed former real-estate developer, Haigler joined the group after meeting some Black scuba divers at a wedding. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affability
Adjective
  • Signal operations are otherwise unaffected, and motorists are reminded to always exercise caution around pedestrians.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Upon hearing the noise, everyone falls to the ground unconscious, except for Cameron, who is unaffected.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The draft will be held in Green Bay, and the NFL always brings in collegians who figure to be taken high, so Commissioner Roger Goodell can be the gracious host and hug them after they’re picked.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Rose was gracious as ever after his second straight time finishing second in a major, having lost out at Royal Troon last summer.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Kennedy could fire the task force and appoint members more hospitable to his agenda or impose his own decisions, experts said.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Being hospitable is one of my big things when people come to our home.
    Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Retreat Linen Top and matching Mid-rise Shorts, both over 40 percent off, can be styled together for a polished resort outfit or worn separately with basics for casual, everyday wear.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
  • As the Sunday evening set’s start time lingered over his head, Junior H traded his casual, pink jersey for an all-white outfit that would contrast his band’s all-black attire.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the week should be pleasant in the Baltimore area, with temperatures hovering in the upper 70s and low 80s before a chance of showers into the weekend.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
  • On bord, the Norse flight attendants were pleasant and service was frequent.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • An eight-month-old Gruyère is mellow with a caramel aroma.
    Betsy Andrews, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Animal Collective member’s new album, Sinister Grift, is the perfect mellow psychedelia for a sunny Pasadena afternoon.
    Dan Reilly, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • It’s made of a tarp-like material that feels pretty durable and the lid zippers, which is nice to contain smells.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This easygoing aesthetic introduces itself in the living room, which doubles as the home’s entry since there’s no formal foyer.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Curaçao With colorful Dutch architecture, multicultural charm, and an easygoing pace of life, Curaçao attracts sun-seekers from around the world.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affability. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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