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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 The genial duo stripped away even more of the armor on its latest album, On a Trip, released at the end of January. Elias Leight, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2025 The genial informality of the gathering, however, was another way in which Gunn and Safran are setting DC Studios apart from Marvel — and how just about every other major studio manages information about their marquee movie franchises. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025 As to the kids’ responses, the more genial Olmo is not above whining, while parental demands usually provoke flat-out insolence from Ana, who breathes cigarette smoke like dragon fire. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025 However, the development of Gyeom from a pathologically genial young man afraid to let anyone in to a 30-something adult learning how to face his feelings is incredibly rewarding. Kayti Burt, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
  • The Mallard Lounge epitomizes the après-ski tradition, providing a gracious transition from active days to relaxed evenings.
    Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Mina, worried about her young kids doing the math about her long, grueling commute, cautiously accepts Alma’s gracious offer.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • It’s kept me warm in the cold winter months but has transitioned easily into spring.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Planting a pollinator garden with milkweed (the only plant the butterflies will lay eggs on) and nectar-producing plants (for eating) can provide a hospitable habitat for migrating monarchs.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Furthermore, a focused approach to marketing Elgin as a hospitable destination for investment could yield substantial long-term benefits.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The temperate weather eliminates the need for expensive insulation, heating systems, and other winter-proofing measures typical of northern builds.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike the Antarctic of today, Late-Cretaceous Antarctica was warmer and wetter, with temperate weather and lush vegetation.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The keyboard itself is pleasant enough to type on, with moderate feedback while avoiding the squishy feel some budget systems have.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • From the point of view of Paul, Weiss, having to strike this arrangement wasn’t pleasant, but the price was tolerable.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Baseball’s celebration of that day often obscures the fact that MLB hasn’t been African American friendly in decades.
    Terence Moore, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Vermont's politics and demographics are also more friendly to Sanders' views than other battleground districts in the Trump era.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Just love, patience, and someone who sees the beauty in older cats with soft hearts and gentle spirits.
    TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The Friend functions perfectly well as a dog picture, a movie about a frazzled single woman learning to care for a gentle but unruly animal in the big, bad city.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Ruthe adds, would be a nice target.
    George Ramsay and Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The idea of painting a bird with such traditional meaning on a building set to house families who may be going through turbulent times is a nice message, signaling that calm waters are just ahead.
    Will McGough, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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