AFFINITY Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'affinity' differ from other similar words?

The words attraction and sympathy are common synonyms of affinity . While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn. // an affinity for mathematics

Q: When might 'attraction' be a better fit than 'affinity'?

While in some cases nearly identical to affinity , attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it. // felt an attraction to danger

Q: When would 'sympathy' be a good substitute for 'affinity'?

In some situations, the words sympathy and affinity are roughly equivalent. However, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence. // two minds in sympathy

affinity

noun

ə-ˈfi-nə-tē

Definition of affinity next

as in aptitude

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing always had an affinity for nurturing living things

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kinship

the fact or state of having something in common a study showing an affinity between obesity and socioeconomic status

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun affinity differ from other similar words?

The words attraction and sympathy are common synonyms of affinity. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When might attraction be a better fit than affinity?

While in some cases nearly identical to affinity, attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

When would sympathy be a good substitute for affinity?

In some situations, the words sympathy and affinity are roughly equivalent. However, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

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 affinity The worlds of hip-hop and reggaeton have been intertwined in both style and sound since the origins of both genres, particularly in their common affinity for opulent jewelry. —

Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 10 Jan. 2025 Her affinity for glamor doesn’t mean both heels aren’t planted on terra firma. —

EW.com, 7 Jan. 2025 Tailor sales to past behavior or category affinity and offer exclusive deals, bundle offers, mystery discounts, early access to sales, referral incentives, additional savings on multiple items and renewal discounts. —

Pratik Bhadra, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Amid his mounting woes, the president has made his affinities to the far right even clearer. —

Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for affinity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affinity

Noun

Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman became the first Black coach to reach the championship game, an overdue development reflective of circumstances, opportunity and Freeman’s own aptitude.

— Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025
This soldier’s already showing plenty of aptitude for the spy lifestyle.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2024