AMIABLE Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'amiable' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of amiable are complaisant , good-natured , and obliging . While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with. // an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

Q: When is 'complaisant' a more appropriate choice than 'amiable'?

The words complaisant and amiable can be used in similar contexts, but complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness. // was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

Q: Where would 'good-natured' be a reasonable alternative to 'amiable'?

While the synonyms good-natured and amiable are close in meaning, good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon. // a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

Q: When could 'obliging' be used to replace 'amiable'?

The synonyms obliging and amiable are sometimes interchangeable, but obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful. // our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

amiable

adjective

ˈā-mē-ə-bəl

Definition of amiable next

as in gracious

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations the owner of the inn is an amiable, talkative widow who treats guests like family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word amiable distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of amiable are complaisant, good-natured, and obliging. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When is complaisant a more appropriate choice than amiable?

The words complaisant and amiable can be used in similar contexts, but complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

Where would good-natured be a reasonable alternative to amiable?

While the synonyms good-natured and amiable are close in meaning, good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

When could obliging be used to replace amiable?

The synonyms obliging and amiable are sometimes interchangeable, but obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of amiable The amiable fire chief, who coos to a station dog named Vasia, is not alone in his pessimism. —

Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Nov. 2024 Each of the first two episodes of this amiable little legal dramedy has suddenly and unexpectedly ratcheted up the suspense in its final minutes. —

Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024 Medium height and fit, with a brisk, amiable manner, Justin regales and horrifies us in equal measure. —

Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024 There’s a nice thread of That Christmas that eventually focuses on a budding friendship between Danny and his neighbor and teacher Ms. Trapper (Fiona Shaw), a cantankerous woman who makes the Grinch seem amiable. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amiable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amiable

Adjective

Dalin was gracious in the moment, but those close to him and the campaign acknowledge that the sting was real.

George Allen, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025
The hotel feels grown-up and staff effusively handle all of your needs with a striking level of gracious humility.

Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025