1
2
3

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 Achievements aside, Ryan Wallace was remembered for his radiating kindness and generosity and for having a highly sociable personality with the ability to bring people together. Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Mar. 2024 Not all dogs are the same, some are more sociable than others, but there are different types of day care to accommodate all types of canines. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024 Celebrities looking for privacy didn’t always make the most sociable neighbors. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Aug. 2024 As sociable creatures, crows often form large communal roosts on winter nights, sometimes gathering in the tens of thousands to sleep on tree branches or power lines. Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sociable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sociable
Adjective
  • Harris, the outgoing taoiseach, assumed the role of deputy prime minister Thursday, and will expect to step back into the role of Ireland’s leader again in 2027.
    Kathy Rose O'Brien, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Coaching Carousel: Aaron Glenn returns Yesterday, the Jets gave outgoing Lions DC Aaron Glenn something to celebrate, via a five-year contract to become their next head coach.
    Jacob Robinson, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Samia is quick to accept the break-up, even gracious.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This is a commercial transaction, but even commercial transactions can be gracious — if everyone knows the rules and abides by them.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As Derek Thompson wrote earlier this month in The Atlantic, more and more Americans are retreating from in-person social interactions, turning instead to smartphones and other devices in search of intimacy.
    Maytal Eyal, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Lawnmower parents may insert themselves into their child’s friendships and relationships with others and intrude on social issues without allowing the child to resolve problems independently.
    Jazmin Towe, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The upper chamber has been slightly more hospitable terrain for Trump skeptics within the party than the House.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025
  • To me, the ending leaves as an open question whether Tóth has retreated to illusory safe ground or found a more hospitable home.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My interactions with other people became fraught with anxiety almost immediately upon making the switch; even a friendly handshake held the potential for disaster.
    Chioma Nnadi, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
  • While the link between the Maduro regime and the Tren de Aragua has for long been suspected, the news coming out of Chile this week is being viewed as further evidence that the links between the two go beyond a friendly relationship.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sociable

Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sociable. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!