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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
Kahn, then a member of the Academy’s Board of Governors and a longtime marketing executive, stared down the problem and came away with an idea: What if nominees gathered for a cordial, agony-free luncheon several weeks before the ceremony? Zach Schonfeld, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 The meeting was cordial — at one point both men shared a microphone after one died. Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
This year, skip the small-batch scotch or whisky; something feels right, right now, about cordials and liqueurs—high-alcohol spirits that are sweetened with fruit, and sometimes splashed with vinegar or spice. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2024 Tucked away on a quiet street just around the corner from the bubbly bistros, highlights include guest rooms with private terraces featuring views of Saint Sulpice Church and the fireplace studded living room and library lounge where a classic Parisian breakfast, wine, and cordials are included. Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • While the white oak shelves and tin ceiling create a beautiful space, my staff and I have worked hard to cultivate a warm and inviting environment for everyone.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In many regions, spring weather can fluctuate between cold and dry to warm and slightly humid.
    Cierra Black, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
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
  • But the wind speed itself is refreshing even at that level.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The choreography is refreshing but might be more so with a little more restraint.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a major tonic, the welcome funding news was announced during the ICC’s quarterly meetings in Zimbabwe.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • For a national team goalie, that is not the best tonic to stay at the top of one's game.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to a beach that could pass for the Caribbean, neighboring Siesta Key has a friendly, small-town feel, complete with two villages and a trolley that offers free rides to the beach and other destinations.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Outside, life bustles with the familiar sounds of rickshaws and friendly neighborhood chatter.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 29 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
Noun
  • Bryce Hodgson's comedic S1 turn as Major's roommate in the mental institution, Scott E., was so memorable that the writers brought the actor back to play twin brother Don E., part of Blaine's drug (and brain) dealing enterprise.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025
  • These are powerful drugs — antipsychotics, sedatives, sleep aids — each carrying their own risks.
    Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These include medicines that increase available dopamine, resemble dopamine or block its natural breakdown.
    Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The drones are also able to fly in life-saving equipment like oxygen cylinders and medicines.
    Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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