amiable

adjective

ˈā-mē-ə-bəl How to pronounce amiable (audio)
Definition of amiablenext
as in gracious
having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations the owner of the inn is an amiable, talkative widow who treats guests like family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word amiable distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of amiable are complaisant, good-natured, and obliging. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When is complaisant a more appropriate choice than amiable?

The words complaisant and amiable can be used in similar contexts, but complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

Where would good-natured be a reasonable alternative to amiable?

While the synonyms good-natured and amiable are close in meaning, good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

When could obliging be used to replace amiable?

The synonyms obliging and amiable are sometimes interchangeable, but obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

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 amiable Ronnie Schell, a prolific TV character actor perhaps best known for his portrayal of the amiable Pvt. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 June 2026 The 56-year-old politician presents himself as an amiable northern everyman who prefers T-shirts to a suit and tie and spends spare time playing soccer or spinning 1990s tunes during DJ battles. — Jill Lawless, Fortune, 21 June 2026 The 56-year-old politician presents himself as an amiable northern everyman who prefers T-shirts to a suit and tie and spends spare time playing soccer or spinning 1990s tunes during DJ battles. — ABC News, 19 June 2026 Though Paul Rudd takes first billing — and is on characteristically amiable form as a kindly uncle — relative newcomer Felice Kakaletris is clearly the star of the film, as the highly intelligent, neurodivergent Rose. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for amiable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amiable
  1. gracious
  2. pleasant
  3. nice
Adjective
  • Thanks to a gracious group of Team Algeria soccer supporters, the city of Lawrence will forever have a reminder of its role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • The axe came down swiftly and brutally, but, speaking candidly, Geoff Daniels, PBS’ Vice President, Programming & Development, was gracious about it, thanking the audience of mostly media industry people for their camaraderie.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • Despite the minimalism and lack of physical controls, the EX30 interior isn’t a bad place to be—Volvo’s interior designers tend to understand the assignment well, and the textures and materials are pleasant to the touch.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
  • This was a pleasant surprise given the significant worldwide controversy surrounding Huawei’s dominance in constructing 4G infrastructure.
    — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of pleasant
Adjective
  • Quince This matching set feels especially nice on warm nights, thanks to its naturally cooling bamboo viscose material.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • Worth checking out The Nest Fragrances Reed Diffuser will keep your bathroom smelling nice with 21 lush scents, including lemon and mint, apricot tea, ginger and vanilla bean, ocean mist and sea salt, grapefruit and more.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of nice

Browse Nearby Words

amiability
amiable
amiableness
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Cite this Entry

“Amiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amiable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on amiable

Nglish: Translation of amiable for Spanish Speakers

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