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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 For example, short-nosed dogs are innately less friendly toward other dogs, but this is offset by their youth (younger dogs are typically more sociable). Laura Baisas Aug 6, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 Petplan experts say that, because the breed is sociable and gentle, golden retrievers tend to get along well with felines, especially if they are introduced early and are happy around each other. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 Grant engaged in a very sociable conversation with the Queen and her sister, then settled in. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 Imperioli will star as Dutch, an accomplished Italian chef who owns a restaurant in the Bronx, a stalwart establishment that is also a front for Dutch’s less sociable activities, such as running a criminal enterprise. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • The two will face off in the November election in a race to replace outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan, who is campaigning for Michigan governor as an independent in the 2026 election.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The neighbor, according to a search warrant reviewed by Forbes, was an outgoing inventory management specialist at the Quantico, Virginia, headquarters of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Penalties on penalties on penalties, gracious hosts, UCLA’s 13 flags Friday gifted the Lobos 116 yards – running the season’s tally to 30 penalties for 275 yards.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Goodness gracious, what an adorable little burrito that kid is!
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their contempt for freedom and social order trades the politics of reason and persuasion—Charlie's life's work—for the false politics of violence and murder.
    Brooke L. Rollins, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The Reverend William Barber II, is a pastor and social justice activist who was once invited to discuss with Kirk the role of religion in public life, though that discussion didn't materialize.
    Michel Martin, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As temperatures drop and outdoor conditions become less hospitable, pests start looking for warmth within our homes.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The practice also offers a calm, welcoming environment where doctors have time to be hospitable, offering patients coffee and snacks.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is a set of policies that has baffled some China experts, or at least raised questions about the president’s stance on America’s friendly rival.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Twine also noted its subtle scent, quick absorption, and makeup-friendly finish.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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