1
as in gracious
having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations
a genial host who makes a point of speaking personally to each and every guest
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in warm
having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest
genial new neighbors who helped us unpack boxes and brought us dinner our first night in the new place
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3
as in hospitable
showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations
his genial offer to give me his seat on the bus
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4
as in temperate
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
wanted to move to a more genial clime for health reasons
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as in sweetness
the state or quality of having a pleasant or agreeable manner in socializing with others
her unforced geniality never fails to draw fellow passengers into a conversation with her
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of genial
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
That was unusually blunt from the typically genial Pritzker, who’s mainly tried to keep a public lid on his obvious irritation with Johnson.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
Zuri Primos,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
But one suspected the real reason for Huang’s geniality lay elsewhere.
—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Adjective
Rudd’s natural air of genial tension, of neurosis without an edge, plays into his character’s rigidly disciplined but relentlessly upbeat domesticity.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
That was unusually blunt from the typically genial Pritzker, who’s mainly tried to keep a public lid on his obvious irritation with Johnson.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
Noun
The commission established in 1937 assures quality and geniality.
—
Zuri Primos,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
But one suspected the real reason for Huang’s geniality lay elsewhere.
—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
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The axe came down swiftly and brutally, but, speaking candidly, Geoff Daniels, PBS’ Vice President, Programming & Development, was gracious about it, thanking the audience of mostly media industry people for their camaraderie.
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The gracious — and perfectly acceptable — way is not to serve alcohol to anyone.
Adjective
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This tank top maxi dress is a warm-weather staple.
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El Niño isn't just moving warm water around randomly in the ocean.
Adjective
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Be hospitable to the people who think differently from you.
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Native plants like native golden ragwort or switchgrass are not as hospitable.
Adjective
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Best Time to Visit Since San Luis Obispo is located near California's coast, the climate stays temperate all year round.
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With warm temperatures in the summer that remain temperate through the winter, there’s never a bad time to visit Biloxi.
Adjective
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Bartlett’s posture is ramrod straight, his voice a pleasant, precise British lilt that’s nothing like his natural Australian accent.
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Dogs are welcome, and the shaded setting is a pleasant place to linger.
Adjective
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The band had been denied the opportunity to perform during Haiti’s pre-World Cup friendly against Peru, despite the presence of a Peruvian band.
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Founded in 2008, FunnyFlux is a Korean animation studio creating family-friendly IP for global audiences.
Adjective
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Cancer June 21 – July 22 A gentle calm steadies your choices now.
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Ceconi recommends looking for detergents that are gentle and pH neutral to enhance the preservation of fiber softness.
Adjective
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Neither side has been shy of attacking, which has been a nice change of pace compared with the first couple of knockout stage matches.
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Been shooting some nice low scores in these last couple weeks outs here, so that’s something good to pat myself on the back.
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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