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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

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 Angel’s Envy Series Cask Strength Bourbon's taste profile begins with cherry cordial and salted caramel that lead into a rich, layered palate of apple cider, red wine notes, and creamy ganache. Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026 However, sources familiar with the discussion told the Miami Herald that the encounter was cordial and focused on restoring democratic institutions in Venezuela, including eventual elections, institutional reforms and the creation of conditions to attract foreign investment. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 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
  • But with warm weather and wildfire season ahead, community leaders would prefer to see a full reservoir even if the water isn’t suitable for drinking.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The 2026 allergy season is objectively worse than last year’s, driven by warmer temperatures and rising CO2 levels pushing plants to produce more pollen than ever before.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The architecture reflects that stately sensibility, with a classic Colonial Revival facade that gives way to interiors scaled for both gracious entertaining and relaxed family living.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Polished, gracious — with a shadow just beneath the surface.
    Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Nobody minded — in an era of chatty rock stars, there was something refreshing about that.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Yet, at no point are you hit over the head with any of this, and that feels refreshing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Alternative MacTaggart is intended as a tonic to the main MacTaggart, which is yet to announce for this year.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
  • And yet, my preferred indulgence was an aperitivo-hour gin and tonic infused with local friggitelli peppers, served at the Rooftop Bar.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the absence of the federal government incentivizing companies to make more environmentally friendly choices, state and/or local policies may also offer a way forward.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The two coastal towns are about eight miles apart; however, Lewes’s public beach is considered more family-friendly because of its calm bay waters.
    Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Smith incorporated Federal Express in 1971 in Little Rock, then moved the company to the hospitable and more centrally located Memphis International Airport.
    John Beifuss, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The public beach at Siesta Key is hospitable with its large parking lot and concession stands for refreshing drinks and bites.
    Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Officers then arrested Harrison and searched his body, discovering seven more bags containing drugs.
    Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
  • But the attack may have dealt a blow to the Mexican government’s assertions that the country is a safe place to visit, coming months after widespread attacks by criminal groups in response to a drug lord’s killing.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This advancement could bring these powerful light sources out of massive facilities and into more accessible labs, potentially reshaping research in physics, chemistry, medicine, and industry.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Donations of clothing, food and medicine were life-saving to millions of people after World War II.
    William Lambers, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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