AFFINITY Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'affinity' differ from other similar words?

The words attraction and sympathy are common synonyms of affinity . While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn. // an affinity for mathematics

Q: When might 'attraction' be a better fit than 'affinity'?

While in some cases nearly identical to affinity , attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it. // felt an attraction to danger

Q: When would 'sympathy' be a good substitute for 'affinity'?

In some situations, the words sympathy and affinity are roughly equivalent. However, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence. // two minds in sympathy

affinity

noun

ə-ˈfi-nə-tē

Definition of affinity next

as in aptitude

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing always had an affinity for nurturing living things

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kinship

the fact or state of having something in common a study showing an affinity between obesity and socioeconomic status

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun affinity differ from other similar words?

The words attraction and sympathy are common synonyms of affinity. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When might attraction be a better fit than affinity?

While in some cases nearly identical to affinity, attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

When would sympathy be a good substitute for affinity?

In some situations, the words sympathy and affinity are roughly equivalent. However, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of affinity Capturing Glasses deep affinity for rodeo culture, the pieces lean on denim and rich indigo hues. —

Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 With some polls showing Trump with a slight edge over Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, that affinity has snowballed in recent weeks. —

Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 29 Oct. 2024 Millennial parents will especially love their child's affinity for this adorable blast from the past that's been redesigned to capture the hearts of a new generation. —

Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024 Dramatically perched on a clifftop, overlooking the pearl waters of the Gulf of Oman, the resort reflects its affinity with Omani culture firstly in its architecture. —

Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for affinity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affinity

Noun

Trump has never shown much of an aptitude for the nuances of crypto, but he’s welcomed the industry’s financial support.

MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Paul Rudd was a wonderful choice for Ben Glenroy, a movie star who dabbled in franchise tentpoles but came alive due to Rudd’s comedic aptitude.

Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024