Affable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Affable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

1. having a relaxed, casual manner

   "as the show's affable host, she keeps the freewheeling gabfest from getting out of hand"

   similar: breezy, devil-may-care, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, laid-back, low-pressure, mellow
   related: carefree, casual, dégagé, lackadaisical, nonchalant, unaffected, unconcerned, unfussy, unperturbed, untroubled, unworried, familiar, homey, informal, flexible, lax, lenient, permissive, pliable, pliant, soft, accessible, approachable, imperturbable, nerveless, unflappable, unshakable, amicable, companionable, comradely, cordial, genial, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted
   opposite: high-strung, uptight
   near: ceremonious, decorous, formal, rigid, strict, anxious, bothered, distressed, worried, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittish, tense

2. having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations

   "as an experienced event planner, he knows that having an affable emcee is critical"

   similar: agreeable, amiable, genial, good-natured, good-tempered, gracious, mellow, nice, pleasant, sweet, well-disposed
   related: amicable, clever (dialect), cordial, friendly, neighborly, benign, gentle, kind, cheerful, cheery, glad (archaic), sunny, companionable, conversable, sociable, civil, considerate, courteous, polite, thoughtful, accommodating, amenable, obliging, attractive, delightful, enjoyable, likable
   opposite: disagreeable, ill-natured, ill-tempered, unamiable, ungenial, ungracious, unpleasant
   near: boorish, discourteous, ill-mannered, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, surly, uncivil, unkind, unmannerly, unsociable, bearish, bilious, cantankerous, choleric, churlish, crabby, cranky, dyspeptic, fussy, grouchy, grumpy, ill-humored, irascible, irritable, peevish, petulant, quick-tempered, snappish, testy, touchy, argumentative, contentious, contrary, ornery, querulous, unappealing, unattractive, sour, vinegary

3. showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations

   "although First Lady Lucretia Hayes didn't particularly enjoy her role as White House hostess, she was always affable"

   similar: cordial, genial, gracious, hospitable, sociable
   related: agreeable, amiable, benign, benignant, congenial, convivial, friendly, kind, kindly, neighborly, accommodating, obliging, considerate, courteous, polite, thoughtful, cosmopolitan, sophisticated, urbane, approachable, attentive, outgoing
   opposite: inhospitable, ungenial, ungracious, unsociable
   near: boorish, churlish, abrupt, blunt, brusque, curt, gruff, sharp, snippy, antisocial, disagreeable, discourteous, ill-mannered, impolite, rude, sullen, surly, uncivil, unfriendly, unkind, unmannerly, crabbed, crabby, cross, crusty, grumpy