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Definition of cordialnext
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cordial

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cordial different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cordial are affable, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When could affable be used to replace cordial?

The synonyms affable and cordial are sometimes interchangeable, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When is genial a more appropriate choice than cordial?

In some situations, the words genial and cordial are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

In what contexts can gracious take the place of cordial?

The words gracious and cordial can be used in similar contexts, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use sociable instead of cordial?

While the synonyms sociable and cordial are close in meaning, 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 cordial
Adjective
The two leaders have since reconciled and been on cordial terms, despite Bolsonaro’s imprisonment and allegations of mistreatment. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 Apr. 2026 For a non-alcoholic version, elderflower cordial works beautifully as well. Amisha Gurbani, San Francisco Chronicle, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
To wit, cordials, shrubs and kombuchas are all made in-house, inspired by seasonality. Brad Japhe, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025 There was bad news for American whiskey, however, which was down by nearly two percent (more than $5 billion) and cordials (down 3.6 percent). Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • Chris and Clare have written an incredibly funny and warm screenplay and Avgousta’s vision and experience promise to make this an enduring festive film.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 May 2026
  • Ly notes these are often warm, high-friction areas with dense apocrine glands.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • At the Gotham Bar, ask the team for Conrad, cheerful and gracious, who can suggest a martini for your mood.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Here, a gracious layout puts the two bedrooms on opposite ends of the apartment, both with room for a king, closets, and, in the case of the primary, an en suite bath.
    Katie McDonough, Curbed, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After a refreshing, standing, glass shower, guests have the option to purchase a bottle of wine or cocktail from the backyard bar as a to-go treat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
  • My cocktail, Jesus Can’t Hit a Curveball, was decidedly undramatic in the looks department, but its combination of gin, ginger, celery and serrano peppers was phenomenally vegetal and refreshing.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Anyway, just being back on the court under game conditions had to have been a tonic.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The Italian wants to act like an older brother or father figure to the squad to try to guide them away from danger and these three points are the perfect tonic for their fragile confidence.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The two clubs share many similarities beyond playing a friendly in 2014 and doing business in the form of Nicola Sansone’s transfer a decade ago.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • The conversation will revisit favorite character moments from the series and give fans an inside look at the process of filming the animal-friendly period piece.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Aerating also leads to healthier lawns by creating an environment that is less hospitable to grubs.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
  • Repair bare spots in the lawn to make your yard less hospitable for ground-nesting bees.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But its primary association in the public consciousness since the nineteen-eighties is with the criminal underworld, particularly the drug cartels.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The new shelter will allow residents to bring pets, which most shelters prohibit, offer a drug and alcohol treatment program and mental health services and assign those admitted a caseworker who will help connect them with professional development programs.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Confidence in every major institution — government, media, medicine, education — collapsed simultaneously.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 May 2026
  • As prices rise and jobs disappear, people across Iran say essentials like food and medicine are becoming out of reach.
    Charbel Mallo, CNN Money, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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