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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
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
Noun
But those relatively cordial days appear over after the latest chapter in this rivalry took a controversial turn at the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 For instance, there’s the Temple Gate ($16), featuring gin, sichuan baijiu, peach shurb, kumquat aperitivo, sparkling wine and lemon, as well as the Sun God ($16), with mezcal, reposado tequila, sweet pepper cordial, corn and lime. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • Best Things to See and Do One of the highlights of the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is its access to hiking trails, so make sure to bring decent walking or hiking shoes and a warm layer or two.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Used a mulch, leaves keep soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The flagship offers an expansive collection of wallcoverings, rugs, furniture, and more, and aims to capture the welcoming, gracious environment the brand is known for while signaling its evolution.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But these aren’t gods in oh-so-gracious robes or with armor or holding lightning bolts in their hands.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These easy fall plant swaps are perfect for refreshing tired summer pots and creating long-lasting displays with minimal effort.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
  • For die-hard fans, this isn’t the time to sit at home refreshing scores on your phone.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Yet the film’s timeliness is still a tonic, given that the spirit of autocracy looks more and more like a virus that now wants to take over the world.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Plus, there are carts for mimosas are rolled around in the mornings, an afternoon cheesecake cart with fresh fruit and sauces and gin and tonic cart, too.
    Sonal Dutt, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Family-friendly entertainment includes ballet folklórico dance, classic car show by Viejitos Car Club, and musical performances by Mariachi Del Mar, Los Gringos Muertos Band and Smooth Groove.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The French fashion house’s new ads, which break in print on Thursday, show Stone and fellow brand ambassador Hoyeon touting the Capucines and Side Trunk bags in fall-friendly colors ranging from cognac to deep navy and taupe.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Owner and innkeeper John Lavin took over the three-story home, built in 1890, in 2021, and the property continues to charm guests with its creative design, hospitable amenities, and home-away-from-home atmosphere.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, recent increases in overnight temperatures in Texas may have made the region more hospitable to tropical species, which could explain green jays’ expansion north, according to Keitt.
    Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The mice were given only three doses of the supramolecular drugs, followed by regular disease progression monitoring.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Medications may include NSAIDs, acetaminophen or other non-opioid drugs.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In keeping with tradition, physics is the second Nobel to be awarded this week, after two American and one Japanese scientist won the medicine prize for breakthroughs in understanding the immune system.
    USA Today, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Species such as Grant’s gazelles, Thomson’s gazelles, Southern reedbucks, and Impalas are commonly poached for meat, horns (used in traditional medicine and ornaments) and skins.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

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