affectionate

adjective

af·​fec·​tion·​ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio)
Synonyms of affectionate
1
: feeling or showing affection or warm regard : loving
affectionate friends
an affectionate nickname
2
: motivated by affection : tender
affectionate care
3
obsolete : inclined, disposed
affectionately adverb

Synonyms of affectionate

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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.
William Frawley and Vivian Vance formed the perfect counterpart to Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball — and their affectionate animosity became a television legend all its own. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 To be fair, affectionate behaviors in public and private tend to be healthy for couples. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 With its the warm glow of nostalgia, Sag Harbor revealed his most affectionate tone to date. — Literary Hub, 28 July 2026 Zendaya, 29, could then be seen placing her hand — adorned with her sparkling engagement ring — over Holland’s hand before giving the actor, 30, an affectionate squeeze. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 27 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

affectional
affectionate
affectionated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affectionate. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

affectionate

adjective
af·​fec·​tion·​ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio)
: feeling or showing a great liking for a person or thing : loving
affectionately adverb

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