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Definition of cordialnext
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cordial

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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
Meetings were cordial but revealing. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026 Even so, Bad Bunny and Jenner kept things cordial, and even spent New Year’s together as friends. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 8 Feb. 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
  • Tea is presented alongside the ritualistic high pour synonymous with Moroccan tradition, which is not only an enjoyable spectacle, but a gesture of warm welcome.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • This week’s storms are especially welcome because the statewide snowpack has been lagging after weeks of unusually warm, dry weather.
    James Ward, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • From the gracious foyer to the expansive living room with horizonless views, every detail signals residential grandeur.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Of all the Welk stars, the harmonizing Lennon Sisters have always been among the most gracious and congenial.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a refreshing lack of antler decor, and instead photography and coffee table books pay homage to the American West.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The agua fresca was more cloying than refreshing.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For decades, politicians have sold tariffs as a tonic for the working class.
    Washington Post Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
  • For decades, politicians have sold tariffs as a tonic for the working class.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With the city facing multiple lawsuits over the billing debacle, Clark helped oversee a friendly class-action lawsuit against the city, the judge found.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Zero Waste Textile Expo is a free, family-friendly event designed to highlight the environmental impact of consuming fast fashion and soft consumer goods while providing education about sustainable solutions and zero waste options anyone can participate in.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The shark had apparently found the most hospitable band within that stack and was tracking it along the seafloor.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
  • For Muslims, many of whom eschew alcohol, and for anyone seeking liquor-free or family-friendly social options, the cafes are hospitable hangouts and a late-night alternative to nighttime clubbing.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The government also stopped collecting and reporting crucial survey findings on transgender students — data that have shown higher rates of depression, drug use, bullying and other problems.
    Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Beer that turned green − possibly a chemical reaction with the drugs Dominque Pelicot had been slipping into her drinks and food to render her unconscious for the rapes.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Evening rituals in the communal Living Room rotate nightly, and could include old-timey games from Jinguashi in northern Taiwan, or a DIY herbal tea session inspired by the Chinese medicine shops lining Taipei’s Huaxi Street.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Beyond that, good medicine cannot be franchised.
    Arthur E. Palamara, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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