cordial 1 of 2

1
2
3

cordial

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

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

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When could affable be used to replace cordial?

The synonyms affable and cordial are sometimes interchangeable, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When is genial a more appropriate choice than cordial?

In some situations, the words genial and cordial are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

In what contexts can gracious take the place of cordial?

The words gracious and cordial can be used in similar contexts, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use sociable instead of cordial?

While the synonyms sociable and cordial are close in meaning, 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 cordial
Adjective
To wit, cordials, shrubs and kombuchas are all made in-house, inspired by seasonality. Brad Japhe, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025 There was bad news for American whiskey, however, which was down by nearly two percent (more than $5 billion) and cordials (down 3.6 percent). Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
After decades of success and a GRAMMY win, Hinds left the group this year, at first announcing the split in a cordial joint statement, but later claiming he was kicked out and blasting his former bandmates. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025 The tone of the conversation appeared cordial and non-confrontational, a review of the transcript shows, with Blanche frequently allowing space for Maxwell's lengthy critiques of the accounts of her accusers. James Hill, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • Forget the crowds of other Rocky Mountain destinations—Durango gives visitors a warm Colorado welcome, and then some.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Fall and winter are ideal for testing the soil in flower and vegetable gardens, as well as warm-season turfgrass lawns.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Percussion and a choir imbued the ballad with a pulse, and the gracious Warren quickly turned to clap for the singers at song’s end.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 63-year-old chef helms the kitchen at Vila Joya—the restaurant of a gracious boutique hotel in Portugal that shares its name—which earned one Michelin star in 1995 and a second in 1999.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cooler air will be sweeping in behind this front, as another round of refreshing, fall-like air moves from the Midwest into the Northeast for the second half of the weekend.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Simple jokes, clichés served up as a refreshing alcohol-free aperitif to prolong meetings without really getting to work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As for drinks, consider ordering a lavender gin and tonic or a Colorado mule from the specialty menu.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • What Comes Next For now, Erewhon’s New York experiment remains modest—just a tonic bar tucked inside a private sporting club.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • From art and music at the museum to Oktoberfest beers and block parties, the calendar is stacked with events that range from family-friendly to nightlife-ready.
    Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The bootcut bottoms come in a petite-friendly 27-inch inseam, which, according to the product’s description, fits those 5-foot-3 and under.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The practice also offers a calm, welcoming environment where doctors have time to be hospitable, offering patients coffee and snacks.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
  • La Masa has earned a reputation for outstanding food, a warm and hospitable guest experience, and a menu that appeals to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Lucy and Pickard receive treatment through intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy ‒ a legal but off-label use of the drug.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • That behavior included drug use and related incidents, and disparaging comments about series co-creator Chuck Lorre.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Goldenberg’s path to medicine began at a young age.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The substances in the reports included common household products such as pain relievers, antihistamines, cold medicines and vitamins, the study said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cordial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!