AFFINITY Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'affinity' differ from other similar words?

The words attraction and sympathy are common synonyms of affinity . While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn. // an affinity for mathematics

Q: When might 'attraction' be a better fit than 'affinity'?

While in some cases nearly identical to affinity , attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it. // felt an attraction to danger

Q: When would 'sympathy' be a good substitute for 'affinity'?

In some situations, the words sympathy and affinity are roughly equivalent. However, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence. // two minds in sympathy

affinity

noun

ə-ˈfi-nə-tē

Definition of affinity next

as in aptitude

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing always had an affinity for nurturing living things

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kinship

the fact or state of having something in common a study showing an affinity between obesity and socioeconomic status

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun affinity differ from other similar words?

The words attraction and sympathy are common synonyms of affinity. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When might attraction be a better fit than affinity?

While in some cases nearly identical to affinity, attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

When would sympathy be a good substitute for affinity?

In some situations, the words sympathy and affinity are roughly equivalent. However, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

Examples 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 affinity The Towson man, an avid traveler with an affinity for cruises, estimates he’s sent dozens of bottles out to sea, each with a note inside sharing his name and contact information. —

Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024 These events exude an air of sophistication and rarity, creating a natural affinity with luxury brands and their customers. —

Benjamin Voyer, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 The plaid moment caught fans eyes as Swift has had an affinity for the print of late. —

Jackie Fields, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024 The family reported to 911 that Joshua, who was on the autism spectrum, had an affinity for water – a common trait in children with autism, with accidental drowning among the leading causes of death for people with the disorder. —

Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for affinity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affinity

Noun

Eight dining venues showcase the hotel’s culinary aptitude.

Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024
Learning is divided into grades and separated by age and aptitude.

Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024