affectionate

adjective

af·fec·tion·ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət

Synonyms of affectionate

: feeling or showing affection or warm regard : loving

affectionate friends

an affectionate nickname

: motivated by affection : tender

affectionate care

obsolete : inclined, disposed

affectionately adverb

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Other people shared their own experiences with romantic interactions and affectionate responses, showing how some individuals are choosing to use the technology. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 All of the Slow Horses (a not-so-affectionate nickname for Slough House employees), past and present, are targeted, and Sid goes to River for help. — Alison Herman, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 Motherhood may not have been her calling, but Sabrina Popo was a loving and affectionate grandmother. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Despite their stunning ensembles, their most important accessory was their obvious connection, shown through affectionate hugs, smiles, knowing glances, and mutual support. — Alessia Amorosini, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affectionate

Word History

Etymology

partly borrowed from Medieval Latin affectiōnātus "inclined, disposed, well-disposed," from Latin affectiōn-, affectiō affection + -ātus -ate entry 3; partly formed from affection + -ate entry 3 after Middle French affectionné "having affection for," past participle of affectionner "to have affection for," derivative of affection

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler

The first known use of affectionate was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

affectional

affectionate

affectionated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affectionate. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

affectionate

adjective

af·fec·tion·ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət

: feeling or showing a great liking for a person or thing : loving

affectionately adverb

affectionate

adjective

Synonyms of affectionate

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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