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
So, join the rest of the Airheads — a moniker that, in this case, isn’t an insult but rather an affectionate nickname for bigtime Air Supply fans — and enjoy a proper Valentine’s Day soundtrack.
—
Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2025
This morning, at the Capitol, Johnson walked over to his Senate Finance Committee colleague Bill Cassidy, a doctor and a passionate advocate for vaccination, and gave him an affectionate pat on the shoulder.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025
Helbig was also an English teacher, eventually rising to a beloved department head over a 17-year career at Chicago’s Holy Trinity High School; many students have written affectionate tributes on social media.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
Over the last five seasons of her talk show, Barrymore has been both celebrated and criticized by viewers for her affectionate interview style, which often sees her holding hands or hugging guests.
—EW.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for affectionate 
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Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2025
This morning, at the Capitol, Johnson walked over to his Senate Finance Committee colleague Bill Cassidy, a doctor and a passionate advocate for vaccination, and gave him an affectionate pat on the shoulder.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025
Helbig was also an English teacher, eventually rising to a beloved department head over a 17-year career at Chicago’s Holy Trinity High School; many students have written affectionate tributes on social media.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
Over the last five seasons of her talk show, Barrymore has been both celebrated and criticized by viewers for her affectionate interview style, which often sees her holding hands or hugging guests.
—EW.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for affectionate
Dictionary Entries Near affectionate
Cite this Entry
“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affectionate. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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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