Synonyms for

Affection

Verb / ʌˈfekʃʌn / Another word for affection — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a feeling of liking or love and caring towards someone or something

Synonyms & similar words

heart philia tenderness warmness affectionateness warmheartedness fondness love fondness devotion attachment tenderness caring warmth friendship endearment admiration regard sympathy empathy feeling sentiment emotion passion desire crush infatuation

Synonyms by register

Formal

fondness regard attachment tenderness

Informal

liking warmth care love

Literary

ardor devotion cherishing

Antonyms

indifference dislike hatred animosity aversion hostility contempt

Common collocations

  • deep affection
  • show affection
  • express affection
  • mutual affection
  • parental affection
  • platonic affection
  • warm affection

Word family

noun affection
verb affect
adjective affectionate
adverb affectionately

Usage note

Affection generally refers to a gentle feeling of fondness or liking. It is often used to describe warm feelings towards family, friends, or pets, and is less intense than romantic love.

Example sentences

  1. The puppy licked my face with affection.
  2. Hugging my mom gives me a warm feeling of affection.
  3. I have great affection for my grandparents.
  4. The couple's affection for each other was evident in the way they held hands.
  5. Her affection for music started when she was a child and her parents played music for her.

Quotes

  • 'The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.' - Hubert H. Humphrey
  • 'We loved with a love that was more than love.' - Edgar Allan Poe
  • 'Love is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.' - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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