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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 Although Silverman’s play has been kicking around regional theaters for the last decade, the role of Sharon seems tailor-made for Farrow’s wry and genial presence. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024 The famously genial atmosphere of White’s sets is one reason why so many top stars wanted to snag a role—though perhaps not the main one. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 Yet beneath this genial surface lay a boundless imagination capable of conjuring deeply unsettling worlds, the living embodiment of his recurring theme: the hidden strangeness lurking beneath the ordinary. Darryn King, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Those include genial second-year resident Dr. King (Taylor Dearden), arrogant intern Santos (Isa Briones), and doe-eyed med students Javadi (Shabana Azeez) and Whittaker (Gerran Howell). Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
  • But each woman who was so gracious to spend time speaking with me is someone whose films have moved me.
    Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Darvish was gracious when asked about Gurriel’s gesture at the time.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In winter, your mid layers might be something like a 300-weight fleece jacket paired with a much warmer puffer.
    Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Alternatively, warm your hands with the electric fireplace while catching a flick on the smart TV to enjoy in the winter months, as well as many cross-country skiing trails nearby.
    Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These adaptations can include constructing flood-resistant infrastructure, developing technological innovations, or even migrating to more hospitable regions.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Norbert and many other beloved online dogs — all blissfully unaware of their internet fame, or the internet at all — cut through a digital landscape growing less hospitable by the day.
    Maya Salam, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2025 edition is being held in a temperate climate in the middle of the European season, where many of the best players are based.
    Phil Hay, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • But Bella Hadid has returned from the (marginally) more temperate Texas with a sartorial plan of action.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Where to Eat Horta, Lido promenade, Funchal Horta, on the pleasant Lido promenade, serves delicious and healthy comfort food.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Take advantage of springtime’s pleasant temperatures with a scenic bike ride along the iconic Swamp Rabbit Trail or a picnic with live music at Trailblazer Park.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The island is also home to a wide selection of family friendly all-inclusive resorts, including the luxury all-inclusive Barceló Aruba.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The 20-year-old was called up to the Trinidad & Tobago national team in December for a friendly against Saudi Arabia.
    Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Bill was a gentle man and a gentleman, wise beyond our times.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Both Voloshin and Hendrickson say a gentle soap is the best choice for cleaning.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Hard partying leads to an acceleration of addiction: Rita, in her thirties, after giving birth to four children; Tyson, in his late twenties, after crashing out of college and working practically every job in the nicer parts of the East Bay.
    Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Devonte Ross, who surpassed 1,000 yards at Troy in 2024, and Kyron Hudson, who had some nice moments at USC but was never one of the top receivers on the team in four seasons.
    Antonio Morales, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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