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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
Those concerns were reflected in the Vatican statement, which said that the talks were cordial and that the Vatican expressed satisfaction with the administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion and conscience. Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025 However, the pair have also had more cordial moments, such as the time when the pair sat down for a one-on-one interview in 2018. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
This basket includes the treats: chocolate caramel grahams, prosecco cordials, midnight snack mix and gourmet popcorn. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024 This year, skip the small-batch scotch or whisky; something feels right, right now, about cordials and liqueurs—high-alcohol spirits that are sweetened with fruit, and sometimes splashed with vinegar or spice. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • The finish is long and flavorful, evoking tropical themes of coconut water and warm beaches.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • But his presence now would have been a warm security blanket.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perry was also quite gracious when another fan in the crowd handed her an album to sign.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
  • And yet when people need a portal into or proxy for spiritual awakening, Alice Coltrane’s music often becomes integral, a newfound household name, because her staggered textures are gracious enough to accommodate both the ascetic and the philistine.
    Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Pineapple can be a refreshing and beneficial addition to your meals when eaten in moderation and paired with a healthy diet and exercise.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025
  • Ken is reliable and refreshing, just like this riff on the Tom Collins.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • The capital mainstay is home to a spacious dance floor — perfect for a hoedown or two — and a lush outdoor patio to enjoy a cool gin and tonic on the grass.
    Nico Lang, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
  • Then, in 2014, Leah had her first seizure in school, a grand mal, or tonic clonic seizure.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those proteins—called effectors—attack specific targets that collectively disable the host's defense responses and make the host more hospitable for its bacterial conqueror.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
  • There must be a penalty until the campus is shown to be hospitable to Jewish students.
    Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Once again, these drugs are clearly marketed to CHILDREN.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 21 May 2025
  • She was later released on the conditions of her bail, including no consumption of alcohol, marijuana or non-prescribed drugs, and had to submit random tests for each.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Huntley’s healing came, in part, through nature and plant medicine.
    Stephanie Long, Essence, 15 May 2025
  • Laughter is truly the best medicine for stress and anxiety.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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