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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
McMillon, who has developed a cordial relationship with Trump through meetings at Mar-a-Lago and several mutual friends, has been candid with the president about tariffs in the past. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 During the trial, defense attorney Brian Steel pointed to messages and moments between Diddy and Mia that painted a far more cordial, and perhaps affectionate, relationship between them. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
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 This basket includes the treats: chocolate caramel grahams, prosecco cordials, midnight snack mix and gourmet popcorn. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • In Alaska, warm and dry conditions coupled with frequent thunderstorms and lightning have resulted in more than 100 fires since Wednesday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • Concrete and asphalt radiate heat absorbed during the day, making urban areas typically several degrees warmer than rural areas, the weather service said.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • To their credit, the Heat have been gracious in their credit to the Panthers.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • The food was unfussy and full-flavored, the service gracious, and the staff — from the spa therapists to the bakers — seemed genuinely happy to be here.
    Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bright acidity and a refreshing minerality result in a lingering, dry finish.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • No beach day is complete without refreshing drinks and snacks.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Bubbly tonic; the bite of piney, nearly camphorous juniper; the zing of bright green citrus.
    Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 5 June 2025
  • All guests are invited for a complimentary gin and tonic every evening, and there are gin flights and gin masterclasses available as well.
    Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • This friendly caller is helping seniors feel less lonely, The Wall Street Journal reports.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • This is a guide that is both a friendly flower refresher course for the veteran gardener and a wonderful introduction to flowers for the novice.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iranians are extremely friendly, warm and hospitable and enjoy nothing more than inviting guests into their homes for a meal.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 17 June 2025
  • Its people have always been open to the world and constantly reshaped by it, unfailingly hospitable and ready to adapt.
    Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Several personal assistants were tasked with setting up the red lights and candles, delivering baby oil, and sometimes picking up and delivering drugs and thousands of dollars in cash for freak-offs.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
  • Consistent water intake may be particularly important for people taking medications that can cause dehydration, including some blood pressure drugs, antidepressants and antibiotics.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The positive result, which the player blamed on accidentally ingesting some of his son’s cough medicine, only became apparent once Gomez had left Sevilla and joined Monza in 2023.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Science magazine described the medicine the most important scientific advance of 2024. Already a subscriber?
    Jorge Garay, Wired News, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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