1
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
2
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
3
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
as in tonic
Related Words
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
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
Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
The tone of the conversation appeared cordial and non-confrontational, a review of the transcript shows, with Blanche frequently allowing space for Maxwell's lengthy critiques of the accounts of her accusers.
—James Hill, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
After decades of success and a GRAMMY win, Hinds left the group this year, at first announcing the split in a cordial joint statement, but later claiming he was kicked out and blasting his former bandmates.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
The tone of the conversation appeared cordial and non-confrontational, a review of the transcript shows, with Blanche frequently allowing space for Maxwell's lengthy critiques of the accounts of her accusers.
—James Hill, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
-
Forget the crowds of other Rocky Mountain destinations—Durango gives visitors a warm Colorado welcome, and then some.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Fall and winter are ideal for testing the soil in flower and vegetable gardens, as well as warm-season turfgrass lawns.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Percussion and a choir imbued the ballad with a pulse, and the gracious Warren quickly turned to clap for the singers at song’s end.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The 63-year-old chef helms the kitchen at Vila Joya—the restaurant of a gracious boutique hotel in Portugal that shares its name—which earned one Michelin star in 1995 and a second in 1999.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Cooler air will be sweeping in behind this front, as another round of refreshing, fall-like air moves from the Midwest into the Northeast for the second half of the weekend.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Simple jokes, clichés served up as a refreshing alcohol-free aperitif to prolong meetings without really getting to work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As for drinks, consider ordering a lavender gin and tonic or a Colorado mule from the specialty menu.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
-
What Comes Next For now, Erewhon’s New York experiment remains modest—just a tonic bar tucked inside a private sporting club.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The result is a set of policies that has baffled some China experts, or at least raised questions about the president’s stance on America’s friendly rival.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Twine also noted its subtle scent, quick absorption, and makeup-friendly finish.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The practice also offers a calm, welcoming environment where doctors have time to be hospitable, offering patients coffee and snacks.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
-
La Masa has earned a reputation for outstanding food, a warm and hospitable guest experience, and a menu that appeals to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Lucy and Pickard receive treatment through intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy ‒ a legal but off-label use of the drug.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
That behavior included drug use and related incidents, and disparaging comments about series co-creator Chuck Lorre.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Goldenberg’s path to medicine began at a young age.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The substances in the reports included common household products such as pain relievers, antihistamines, cold medicines and vitamins, the study said.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share