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Synonym Chooser

How is the word genial different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of genial are affable, cordial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When is it sensible to use affable instead of genial?

The words affable and genial can be used in similar contexts, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When can cordial be used instead of genial?

The meanings of cordial and genial largely overlap; however, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When would gracious be a good substitute for genial?

While the synonyms gracious and genial are close in meaning, gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

Where would sociable be a reasonable alternative to genial?

The synonyms sociable and genial are sometimes interchangeable, but sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Example 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 genial This bit of cautiously positive news came just after this board met with the genial Midwest consul general of China, Wang Baodong, and some of his staff and had a wide-ranging discussion, including on the tense state of affairs between the two countries, one these diplomats bemoan. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025 In a country shackled and scarred by race, religion, gender, and class, much of that rationalized and reified by mainline American churches, the Disciples were genial revolutionists offering inclusion, education, and empowerment for those at the margins. Richard D. Mahoney, JSTOR Daily, 30 Apr. 2025 Two genial Hollywood stars enter a small town in Wales, boost the local soccer club and shepherd it to marvelous success. Chris Branch, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 This show, which has a genial, populist score of entertaining and empowering numbers, is not really about that plot anyway. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
  • Its three-stateroom design lets owners and guests can enjoy weekend cruising, while the exterior promotes gracious outdoor living in the large beach-club area, or up on the sport bridge.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
  • But Bill Fox fans are a kind of a tribe, and Hagan was as gracious as could be.
    Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • And waters in the eastern subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean are warmer than normal for this time of year.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025
  • Goldfish plants are grown as houseplants in most of the country, but in warm climates, such as USDA zones 10 and 11 (find your zone here), they can be grown outside on a porch or patio in a dappled shade area.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Inside, the floor plan proved more than hospitable.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • An installation at a Danish university campus employed these bricks to form wiggly pathways hospitable to marine life, which induce campus-goers to move in an undulating path and perhaps to think more like fish, said Christiansen in a video interview before the conference.
    Laura Rysman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Today, these ants primarily live in undisturbed and temperate eastern North American forests.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
  • Best Time to Visit Locals know the fall and winter tend to be the best times to visit St. George Island for temperate weather, smaller crowds, and lower humidity.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Make sure to learn about Filipino values, avoid superiority, and be a pleasant neighbor in this country that is welcoming you.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • View 7 Images The Tiffin GH1 all-terrain camper van was one of the most pleasant RV surprises of 2024.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The family friendly festival from noon to 6:30 p.m. will feature bands performing Americana, rock, hip hop, blues and folk.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Bruce Banner / Hulk Though he’s known for quick temper, this gentle green giant, clad in bright purple pants, has dedicated to using his super strength to help Spidey and his friends as a friend, not a foe.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025
  • Imagine waking up to the gentle hum of the ocean at your doorstep or enjoying breakfast in a beachfront suite.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Wilson completed a pass to Dee Eskridge, who made a nice one-handed catch with cornerback Kendall Sheffield in coverage.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
  • From the outside, Lyons’s house is a textbook Baltimore row home with a modest porch made for relaxing on a nice day or having a smoke while you people-watch.
    Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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