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Definitions

affectionately

[uh-fek-shuh-nit-lee] / əˈfɛk ʃə nɪt li /
ADVERB
dearly
Synonyms
WEAK
devotedly fondly tenderly yearningly
Antonyms
WEAK
hatefully
ADVERB
kindly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delicately generously genially graciously helpfully politely sympathetically tenderly thoughtfully
WEAK
agreeably benevolently benignly carefully charitably compassionately considerately cordially courteously good-naturedly heedfully humanely solicitously tolerantly understandingly well
Antonyms
WEAK
disagreeably inconsiderately unkindly
ADVERB
lovingly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admiringly earnestly fondly longingly passionately respectfully reverently thoughtfully warmly zealously
WEAK
adoringly appreciatively ardently attentively considerately devotedly dotingly endearingly enrapturedly fervently generously impassionedly kindly loyally rapturously yearningly
ADVERB
sympathetically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appreciatively kindly warmly
WEAK
benevolently compatibly cordially emotionally feelingly harmoniously heartily humanely kindheartedly perceptively responsively softheartedly understandingly warmheartedly
ADVERB
tenderly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fondly
WEAK
adoringly
ADVERB
warmly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lovingly passionately

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

John Ternus is affectionately described as "a product guy".

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Tom Walne, or Farmer Tom as he is more affectionately known across Suffolk, said the peacock appeared at his farm near Copdock on Monday.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Crosstown rivals General Motors and Ford Motor have generally always sold more cars, and Chrysler was affectionately called the “little brother” of the car triumvirate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

It was an ode to the joyous, maximalist world that Arnold meticulously and affectionately built in both life and art — because for him there was no distinction, art was life.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Contemplating the grand tour of Lawrence and Alvarez and the resurgent electioneering of Teller for the Super, Oppenheimer aired his doubts to Conant in a letter affectionately addressed to “Uncle Jim.”

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik