as in sweetness
the state or quality of having a pleasant or agreeable manner in socializing with others
First Lady Dolley Madison was beloved by the nation for her affability toward people from all walks of life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 affability
His entire being radiated affability and understanding.
—
Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
All the parts Phillip must play take advantage of his affability and outward kindness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
The president created a massive media event, surprised people by his affability toward an ideological foe and bathed in the idea of common ground around affordability.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
The choice Task makes to soften Ruffalo’s natural affability and presence in favor of Pelphrey’s Robbie—who transmits anger and despair with palpable, desperate energy—is a fascinating one, requiring humility from one actor and intense commitment from the other.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
This is not only because of the city's size but also because of the hospitality and affability of its citizens.
—Gary Shteyngart, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2025
Yeun’s air of gentleness and honesty is put to good, perhaps misdirecting use, as is Chandler’s relaxed manner and mildly folksy affability.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
All the parts Phillip must play take advantage of his affability and outward kindness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
The president created a massive media event, surprised people by his affability toward an ideological foe and bathed in the idea of common ground around affordability.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
The choice Task makes to soften Ruffalo’s natural affability and presence in favor of Pelphrey’s Robbie—who transmits anger and despair with palpable, desperate energy—is a fascinating one, requiring humility from one actor and intense commitment from the other.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
This is not only because of the city's size but also because of the hospitality and affability of its citizens.
—Gary Shteyngart, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2025
Yeun’s air of gentleness and honesty is put to good, perhaps misdirecting use, as is Chandler’s relaxed manner and mildly folksy affability.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affability
sweetness
Noun
-
Now’s the time to get these spring treasures and use them in our Melting Onions recipe—a side dish designed for the 1015’s large rings and natural sweetness, which leads to beautiful caramelization.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Tahini’s bitterness balances the intense sweetness of dates, the traditional Ramadan break-the-fast food; stuffing dates with tahini is a Ramadan treat.—
Faye Levy,
Oc Register,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affability. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
