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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 As Frank, De Niro is all genial shrugs and winces, chattering in a recognizable lower register and grinning his classic jowly grin. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025 This genial doc-by-way-of-a-video-game may have been born out of the pandemic, which is what prompted out-of-work actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen to attempt a production of Hamlet staged entirely within Grand Theft Auto Online. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025 Like the fictional character, Suchet is a genial, cordial and elegantly enthusiastic companion and guide. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
  • The draft will be held in Green Bay, and the NFL always brings in collegians who figure to be taken high, so Commissioner Roger Goodell can be the gracious host and hug them after they’re picked.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Rose was gracious as ever after his second straight time finishing second in a major, having lost out at Royal Troon last summer.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Deals on seating Deals on outdoor rugs Deals on pools and hot tubs Deals on fire pits Deals on storage Deals lights and umbrella Deals on seating Seating areas can create a focal point in your garden decor and are a great place to relax in warmer weather.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • However, evidence increasingly suggests that early in its life, Mars was a warm and wet planet much like our own.
    Jonathan O’Callaghan, JSTOR Daily, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Kennedy could fire the task force and appoint members more hospitable to his agenda or impose his own decisions, experts said.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Being hospitable is one of my big things when people come to our home.
    Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes, 3 Mar. 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
  • Most of the week should be pleasant in the Baltimore area, with temperatures hovering in the upper 70s and low 80s before a chance of showers into the weekend.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
  • On bord, the Norse flight attendants were pleasant and service was frequent.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her willpower wobbling, the 37-year-old nurse and mother of three pushed her shopping cart forward, giving the friendly salesman a wide berth.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Adopted in 2020, the Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities created a classification system for business and investors to know what activities are considered green or climate friendly.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Momoa opted for softer style, wearing a suit in a gentle pink tone.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • His video shows his grandmother and her dog, Gucci, through their daily moments together—gentle walks with the pup trotting along in a pink sweater; cuddles on the couch; and play.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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