affectionate

adjective

ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio)
Definition of affectionatenext
as in loving
feeling or showing love an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Later, the Moon trines affectionate Venus, helping warmth and perspective return. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026 These outings looked and felt like dates, and Gilda was affectionate and tactile — her intentions toward me were clear. — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026 The movie is a comic and affectionate portrait of a quixotic if mathematically dubious dream. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 Related Stories Magazine An affectionate but clear-eyed portrait of a time and place. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affectionate
  1. loving
  2. adoring
Adjective
  • Motherhood may not have been her calling, but Sabrina Popo was a loving and affectionate grandmother.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • God is the one divine Mind, and what God knows is what’s real – including each of us as His creation, spiritual, loving, whole, and helpful.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of loving
Adjective
  • Mom and daughter share adoring glances at an event to celebrate International Women's Day in London.
    — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The Patriots’ pass coverage without Christian Gonzalez, their atrocious inside linebacker play and roller-coaster special teams, which give any adoring fan a heart attack at a moment’s notice.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of adoring

Browse Nearby Words

affection
affectionate
affections
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affectionate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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