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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 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 That’s because this is a marvelous, sociable day for you! Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 19 Dec. 2024 She is described as very sociable and enjoys making new friends. Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 5 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • The carmaker claims that its new 2026 Solterra can now deliver up to 285 miles on a single charge, despite the fact that its 75-kWh battery is only 2 kWh larger than the outgoing version.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Mood and Personality Changes A person with dementia who is typically outgoing may become withdrawn, while others may develop suspicion or paranoia.
    Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Clara’s Table restaurant is Dearborn Inn’s tribute to Henry Ford’s wife, Clara, a passionate horticulturist and gracious hostess.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The press conference had a very gracious tone on the U.S. relationship.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2024 Pew Research survey found that a majority (59%) of people who opposed social reforms in the church attended Mass at least once a week.
    Katie Landeck, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The virtual town hall remains a testament to Francis' pioneering efforts to modernize the Church's outreach while maintaining its focus on compassion, social justice, and connecting with those on society's margins.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 21 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
  • Her willpower wobbling, the 37-year-old nurse and mother of three pushed her shopping cart forward, giving the friendly salesman a wide berth.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Adopted in 2020, the Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities created a classification system for business and investors to know what activities are considered green or climate friendly.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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