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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
  • Clara’s Table restaurant is Dearborn Inn’s tribute to Henry Ford’s wife, Clara, a passionate horticulturist and gracious hostess.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The press conference had a very gracious tone on the U.S. relationship.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Some images are pleasant, while others are painful and heart-wrenching to produce.
    The Pham, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Exploring ancient hot spots like Delphi, ancient Epidaurus, and Olympia on foot is much more pleasant in spring temperatures averaging from the 60s to the high 70s.
    Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • That seems off: Frank Beamer was the nice coach, who never seemed to get in people’s faces.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Oatmeal bath: Soaking in a cool bath that contains colloidal oatmeal, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can also feel nice, Dr. Miller says.
    Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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