CORDIAL Synonyms: 217 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cordial 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkȯr-jəl

Definition of cordial next

as in warm

having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest a cordial inquiry about her mother's health

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gracious

showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations a cordial hostess who makes sure everyone is comfortable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in refreshing

having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind he insisted that a cordial nip of brandy would be just the thing for someone suffering from shock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cordial

2 of 2

noun

as in tonic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 cordial

Adjective

Trump is known for having a less cordial relationship with William's brother Prince Harry, having regularly criticized the royal and his wife Meghan Markle since their departure from the royal family in 2020. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 The modern understanding of a public concession can be traced to 1896, when William Jennings Bryan sent opponent William McKinley a cordial telegram, NPR reports. —

Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024

Noun

Bartenders also use orange peels to create cordials. —

Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2024 The Georgian tulip can also be used to serve wine, cordials, or brandy. —

Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for cordial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial

Adjective

Also in the Big Apple, Olivia Rodrigo and her beau Louis Partridge try to keep warm in the chilly weather as Ben Stiller promotes Severance season 2.

Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
DeSantis’ best choice would have been to appoint a caretaker in Rubio’s place, someone content to keep the seat warm until the next election.

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025