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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of sociable are affable, cordial, genial, and gracious. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

In what contexts can affable take the place of sociable?

Although the words affable and sociable have much in common, affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When could cordial be used to replace sociable?

While in some cases nearly identical to sociable, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

Where would genial be a reasonable alternative to sociable?

In some situations, the words genial and sociable are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When is gracious a more appropriate choice than sociable?

While the synonyms gracious and sociable are close in meaning, gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

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 sociable Small dogs proved to be less sociable than medium and large breeds. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Adrien is very engaged in the moment and is able to switch over and be sociable and talkative. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025 Thanks to their kind and sociable nature, dogs can get along with most other animals, however, some breeds are better suited for having inter-species friendships than others. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Known for their friendly and sociable nature, goldendoodles are excellent family pets, service animals, and therapy dogs. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • City will also surely sign a replacement for the outgoing De Bruyne.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • In the fall of 2024, the DMV's outgoing commissioner Wayne Goodwin, a Democrat, requested funding to hire ove60 new employees, but the request was denied.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The building itself includes 24-hour concierge service and features a gracious lobby with a residents’ lounge.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Throughout the conversation, maintain a gracious tone regardless of immediate outcomes.
    Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ana de Armas and Cruise were seen strolling through a park in a video and photo captured by a social media user.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
  • This region is home to the greatest share of women having children at 40 and older — a trend that experts chalk up to a combination of economic opportunity, progressive social norms and access to reproductive technology.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Within the church, Francis shifted the pastoral practice toward a more hospitable, welcoming attitude toward those who had long felt excluded.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • This genetic isolation, the authors of the study reasoned, suggested the region likely wasn’t a migration corridor that linked sub-Saharan Africa to Northern Africa despite the Sahara’s hospitable conditions at the time.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump remarked on the friendly reception he's gotten from many in the billionaire class, including Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, during his second term.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to a beach that could pass for the Caribbean, neighboring Siesta Key has a friendly, small-town feel, complete with two villages and a trolley that offers free rides to the beach and other destinations.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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