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
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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
George Ramsay, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
After a fairly cordial meeting, Bhattacharya’s staff invited him to join them at a pro-NIH rally—perhaps even speak, Sarah Kobrin, a branch chief at the National Cancer Institute who attended the meeting, told me.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 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
The pair are cordial to each other on and off the court, even sharing a private jet together after last year’s China Open final.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
After a fairly cordial meeting, Bhattacharya’s staff invited him to join them at a pro-NIH rally—perhaps even speak, Sarah Kobrin, a branch chief at the National Cancer Institute who attended the meeting, told me.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
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While this is only slightly warmer than what is normal for mid-September for the Gulf Coast, this is 10 to 15 degrees warmer than what is normal for this time of the year for much of the Mississippi Valley -- including for parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota and Minnesota.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
13 Sep. 2025
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Great Britain’s winning performance from Friday’s four races, held in bright sunshine and warm gusty breeze, earned driver Dylan Fletcher and his team their second victory of the season.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Penalties on penalties on penalties, gracious hosts, UCLA’s 13 flags Friday gifted the Lobos 116 yards – running the season’s tally to 30 penalties for 275 yards.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Goodness gracious, what an adorable little burrito that kid is!—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Rashid found Chiu’s communication style simple and refreshing.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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The lightweight formula glides on with a refreshing tingle, then rinses away to reveal skin that feels softer, smoother, and more luminous.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Wash it all down with any of the craft cocktails; the Green Lotus is a refreshing option with lemongrass infused vodka, cucumber and tonic.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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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
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
-
As temperatures drop and outdoor conditions become less hospitable, pests start looking for warmth within our homes.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Sep. 2025
-
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
Noun
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Petro has scaled back efforts to target drug supply, instead trying to solve the issue through social programs.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
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The researchers tested their two-part drug on mice and zebrafish engineered to produce β-glucuronidase, and found that the drug was activated almost exclusively in tumors, sparing healthy tissue and organs.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
When Best of Beauty launched in 1996, skin care was something best kept hidden behind your medicine cabinet.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
At the time, society considered whiskey as a suitable medicine for cancer, typhoid, and diphtheria among other illnesses.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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