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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

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 sociable Your partner or spouse is very talkative and sociable; your cousin is very introverted and shy. Dave Winsborough, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 Studies have shown low self-esteem respondents were more likely than high self-esteem respondents to report becoming less inhibited, more sociable when high. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2024 Bumble really plays into the friendly, sociable vibe by letting each user link their profile to their Instagram or Spotify. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2024 Today, the baseline species is the prairie dog, a sociable rodent who lives underground. Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for sociable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • What To Know Several critics compared Fetterman to outgoing Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party after criticizing its leadership.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • The House Ethics Committee has decided not to open an investigation into outgoing House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who was detained in November for public intoxication while traveling through Dulles International Airport.
    Laura Kelly, The Hill, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • His acceptance speech was just like him: gracious and humble.
    AllBusiness, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • When it was announced that the Last Splash classic lineup of the Breeders (Kim Deal on rhythm guitar and vocals, twin sister Kelley on lead guitar, Josephine Wiggs on bass, and Jim Macpherson on drums) would be opening select dates in 2024 for Olivia Rodrigo, Deal was both shocked and gracious.
    Drew Fortune, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Suitable for Exploring Complex or Sensitive Topics When dealing with subjects like mental health, family dynamics, or social justice issues, numbers might not tell the full story.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • One reason some people may turn to alcohol is because it’s perceived as a social lubricant.
    Andrea Kane, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • With just three tables indoors and two outdoors, there is no place more cozy or hospitable to indulge in manti, Turkey’s beloved dumplings.
    Lela London, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
  • California’s tax incentive program is cited as the main culprit for driving creators outside of the city to more hospitable locations like Georgia and New York, as well as Australia and European locations like London.
    Kristen Lopez, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But the country’s new leaders will also have to look outward, balancing the tangled, sometimes contradictory interests of many foreign powers — some friendly, some hostile, some wary.
    Josh Holder, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2024
  • In a statement, City Manager Brian Saeki declined to comment on the litigation but described the promenade as the centerpiece of a decades-long effort to support local businesses and make the Uptown area more pedestrian friendly.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sociable

Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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