cordial 1 of 2

1
2
3

cordial

2 of 2

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
  • My face was cold by the end, but my body was totally warm.
    Megan Sauer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Serve them warm, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of maple glaze and a hot cup of coffee.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • How selfish of Fred Warner, goodness gracious.
    Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • That was a constant refrain in the life of this gracious philanthropist from Roslindale.
    Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But adding a refreshing cucumber to your beverage offers an extra hydration boost, thanks to the veggie's high water content.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025
  • There’s something refreshing about it.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Finally, after a busy day of glamor, dancing, and impressing Sabrina with your new moves, the day will end with a non-alcoholic toast of espresso tonic.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In mixing it with oakwood and spices, Loewe created something with a tonic-like sweetness that retains vanilla’s warmth and comfortability.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Will that mean a five-year, $150 million deal or a more club-friendly contract around $130 million?
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Delhi is motivated by revisiting historical connections with Afghanistan, securing potential economic and trade access to Central Asia, and establishing a friendly presence on Pakistan’s western flank with potential strategic benefits.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Vacherot triumphed 6-3, 6-4, to reach his first ATP final at tour level, moving one match away from capping one of the most extraordinary performances of the year, in the part of the season most hospitable to the unexpected.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • He was arrested in Jakarta as a result of an investigation into an international drug trafficking network.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Taylor was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of drugs/substance, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Inside, among international-food stalls and ethnic-clothing shops, is a family-medicine clinic that serves a largely refugee and immigrant community.
    Helen Ouyang, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Instead of ordering your mobile vets to administer medicine manually, erect a security camera and automate the process.
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cordial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!