as in loving
feeling or showing love
an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 affectionate
Researchers suggest that when romantic partners are more physically affectionate, people feel safer in their relationships.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
My dad was the opposite — rarely angry, easygoing, affectionate, fun.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Feb. 2025
Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate and social nature.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Those two words — Philly's affectionate salutation — have taken on deeper meaning as the city grapples with the aftermath of a tragedy that killed seven people and injured dozens more.
—Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
My dad was the opposite — rarely angry, easygoing, affectionate, fun.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Feb. 2025
Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate and social nature.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Those two words — Philly's affectionate salutation — have taken on deeper meaning as the city grapples with the aftermath of a tragedy that killed seven people and injured dozens more.
—Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Cite this Entry
“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectionate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share