1
2
3
4

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 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 My one caveat on what is a highly entertaining and most genial evening of daffy, escapist Broadway, is that some of it feels a bit much, especially movement- and new orchestrations-wise. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 24 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
  • But has life ever gotten better than a warm nighttime in the stands during a pitchers’ duel with a beer and a hot dog?
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 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
  • Spanish canals operated in a temperate climate and were managed by individual farmers who could maintain or increase their water flow.
    Ari Caramanica, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In fact, the more temperate weather can be the best time to snuggle up outside, sit by a fire pit, and enjoy a new piece of outdoor furniture.
    Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2024
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
  • 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
  • Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 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
  • 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
  • Personally choosing to use less water is a nice start, but grander actions will be needed to effectively address the interrelated issues that drive the overuse of water.
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on genial

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!