1
as in warm
having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest
a cordial inquiry about her mother's health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gracious
showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations
a cordial hostess who makes sure everyone is comfortable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
he insisted that a cordial nip of brandy would be just the thing for someone suffering from shock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in tonic
Related Words
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 cordial
Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026
In 2016, Obama became the first president to visit the island nation in nearly 90 years, following several cordial meetings with Raúl Castro dating back to 2013.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
The cordial is made with fresh dill, citrus, sugar and water, and then blended and strained before it’s eventually shaken with vodka, lemon juice and rich simple syrup.
—Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cordial
Adjective
Everyone was very cordial, very respectful.
—Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026
In 2016, Obama became the first president to visit the island nation in nearly 90 years, following several cordial meetings with Raúl Castro dating back to 2013.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Noun
And because Leonessa takes cues from Italy, expect a rotating menu of complimentary aperitivo-style snacks and a cocktail list full of spritzes, bitters, martinis, plus plenty of amari, vermouth, and cordials.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
The cordial is made with fresh dill, citrus, sugar and water, and then blended and strained before it’s eventually shaken with vodka, lemon juice and rich simple syrup.
—Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
-
Set the scene Starting with wrap-around windows in the hotel lobby that frame the outside hustle and bustle, everywhere from the lounge to the elevators and suites have a warm, art-forward, and fresh vibe.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
-
Pour the lot into a blender, add ice, and your Moscow mule becomes even more of a warm-weather lounge-fellow.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Cultural values such as achieving harmony between cultures; and slow, gracious [economic] growth.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
13 June 2026
-
Even in old age, Pinkie remained a gracious host.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
For anyone who loves the look of heels but hates the discomfort that usually comes with them, these Vivaia mid-heels offer a refreshing alternative.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
-
How refreshing to have a MAGA insider repudiate the lies.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
In this brain-freeze-y adaptation of a G&T, the tonic water is substituted by a tonic syrup.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
10 June 2026
-
The decaf version is intended for both bars and home use in a variety of cocktails, from the classic espresso martini to an espresso tonic and everything in between.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
The service The service is formal, but friendly and attentive, and the concierge showed an enthusiastic passion for the city that created moments for interest and exploration beyond the Guggenheim.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
There will also be activities for all ages, including youth soccer clinics, family-friendly games, refreshments, halftime snacks and inflatable attractions such as a giant soccer dart game.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
There are ways to make your landscape safe and more hospitable for pollinators.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
8 June 2026
-
Grist recently reported that climate change is making oceans more hospitable to Vibrio.—
Eva Flowe
June 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
This matters because viscosity — the thickness of the drug — dictates how patients absorb medicine.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
-
Oncologist Coral Omene at Rutgers Cancer Institute, for example, plans to follow 40 breast cancer patients starting tirzepatide, a GLP-1 drug sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Decriminalizing plant medicines like ayahuasca is part of a broader movement to decriminalize psychedelics in the United States, with states like Oregon and Colorado leading the way and dozens of cities—from Denver and Oakland to Detroit and Seattle—deprioritizing enforcement in recent years.—
Michaela Trimble,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Allergen avoidance measures, allergy medicines and breathing treatments may be part of your child’s care plan too.—
Dr. Daniel DiGiacomo,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
