CORDIAL Synonyms: 217 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cordial 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkȯr-jəl

Definition of cordial next

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

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

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

cordial

2 of 2

noun

as in tonic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples of cordial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

When the dispute started is murky, but Victoria Lehrer claims that the two families were cordial, if not distant, at first. —

Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2024 The conversation was cordial and brief, the official said. —

Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024

Noun

The set includes sugar cookies, caramels, Champagne bubbles, cordials, cookie dough, sours, and cookie bites. Price at time of publish: $30 Hanukkah memories are full of latkes frying on the stove, dreidels spinning on the floor, sweet jelly doughnuts, and the menorah glowing in the background. —

Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023 Other tasty snack items from the brand further includes Christmas cherry cordials, North Pole nutty buddy wafer bars and snowflake brownies. —

Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 5 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for cordial

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cordial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.