affectionate
adjective
af·fec·tion·ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət 
1
2
: motivated by affection : tender
affectionate care
affectionately adverb
Examples of affectionate in a Sentence
an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
Recent Examples on the Web
In snaps from the event, Sweeney appeared affectionate with Braun, as her hands intertwined with his while leaving the luxury hotel. —
Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 The Yorkshire Terrier, lovingly referred to as Yorkie, is recognized for their sprightly, affectionate attitude. —Katelyn Chef, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026 Alongside those claims, there exists another version of the couple’s life — one Lynette documented in affectionate detail. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026 Inside the stables, the family’s other two horses greeted Troy with affectionate sniffs, snuggles and neighs. —Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affectionate
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.
Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 The Yorkshire Terrier, lovingly referred to as Yorkie, is recognized for their sprightly, affectionate attitude. —Katelyn Chef, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026 Alongside those claims, there exists another version of the couple’s life — one Lynette documented in affectionate detail. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026 Inside the stables, the family’s other two horses greeted Troy with affectionate sniffs, snuggles and neighs. —Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affectionate
Cite this Entry
“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/affectionate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
