cordial 1 of 2

Definition of cordialnext
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
The official had been cordial and suggested that the agency would coöperate with congressional oversight. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026 Until then, be cordial, stand up for yourself and stop letting the remarks get to you. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 Jan. 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
  • Writing a novel is a solitary experience but not writing one is even more so, without the occasional call from an editor or marketing person to keep me warm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • An hour in McIntyre’s company is a warm, convivial whirlwind of enthusiasm, jokes and anecdotes.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Through gracious moves and quiet motion, his presence adds more drama to a simple image.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • My colleagues were more than gracious enough to take some time out of their day to taste-test copious amounts of chocolate.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Romance and friendship here feel equal, refreshing and built on mutual admiration.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
  • This refreshing drink combines turmeric powder, lemon juice, raw honey (for taste), and coconut or mineral water.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Hidden in a square of Bissinger’s Gin & Tonic bar is a liquid center resembling the botanicals in gin and tonic.
    Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The resulting fire-cider tonic can be mixed in liquid, just like regular apple cider vinegar.
    Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Don’t overlook any of these taxpayer-friendly changes, including the higher income limits for the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, for people living in states with higher taxes.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • After this, Roggeveen decided to send two sloops and three other boats to shore and make friendly introductions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Notably, young calves have thinner blubber and more limited thermal insulation than adults, which makes warmer breeding areas much more hospitable than the frigid Arctic seas.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Though the Lisle arboretum has no cacao trees — the Midwest isn’t a hospitable growing climate — there will be a number of workshops and plenty of chocolate on sale.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Finally a trial of about a year, similar to a drug’s Phase 3 stage, is conducted to demonstrate safety and effectiveness at a larger scale.
    Ana Castelain, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Sandweg also said the Border Patrol has no business operating in a city like Minneapolis because their training is geared more toward encountering drug cartels and migrants along the border.
    Anna Schecter, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In this Gothic fantasy debut, Leena Al-Sayer bargains her ability to see the dead in order to pay for the expensive medicine her brother Rami needs to live.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Historically, kratom has been used in traditional medicines by brewing it in teas or chewing the leaves.
    Gary Kirkilas II, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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!