as in loving
feeling or showing love
an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 affectionate
The affectionate moment was captured in an Instagram video by British radio DJ Greg James that shows Styles walking off stage after accepting his award and pointing at Capaldi.
—
Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.
—Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
All the films are affectionate, most are light-hearted and often comical.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The Yorkshire Terrier, lovingly referred to as Yorkie, is recognized for their sprightly, affectionate attitude.
—Katelyn Chef, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.
—Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
All the films are affectionate, most are light-hearted and often comical.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The Yorkshire Terrier, lovingly referred to as Yorkie, is recognized for their sprightly, affectionate attitude.
—Katelyn Chef, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affectionate
Adjective
-
All three writers turned loving, humorous, piercing gazes on a particular place, exploring, through cycles of plays, the rich humanity and the grave historical wounds of its inhabitants.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Despite being presented as a loving father, Hank was revealed at the end of Season 1 to be a ruthless, pre-war Vault-Tec executive who is responsible for the nuclear destruction of Shady Sands.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Mom and daughter share adoring glances at an event to celebrate International Women's Day in London.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
But a falling out with former owner Glen Taylor kept him from returning to his ‘Sota to give adoring fans another chance to thank him for 14 seasons with No. 21 on his back and Minnesota in his heart.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectionate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
