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Synonym Chooser

How is the word genial different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of genial are affable, cordial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When is it sensible to use affable instead of genial?

The words affable and genial can be used in similar contexts, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When can cordial be used instead of genial?

The meanings of cordial and genial largely overlap; however, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When would gracious be a good substitute for genial?

While the synonyms gracious and genial are close in meaning, gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

Where would sociable be a reasonable alternative to genial?

The synonyms sociable and genial are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 genial The team reached a crossroads last August, when Dipoto fired manager Scott Servais amid a summer slide and replaced him with Dan Wilson, a genial former catcher in the team’s Hall of Fame. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 While the weekly show the Kansas City tight end co-hosts with his retired NFL sibling Jason Kelce regularly gets anywhere from 12,000 to nearly 300,000 views on YouTube for their genial sports talk, the figures for Swift’s pop-in are already, predictably, off the charts. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025 The staff is almost entirely local, including K Club veteran Alexander de Souza, a genial presence with a jaunty earring who’ll whip up a lethal rum punch for a sundowner, and another staffer who brings a fruit plate every morning at breakfast. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2025 Hundreds of shows and tens of thousands of hours have aired after primetime, offering a good hang and a genial laugh to ease us from waking worry into sleep. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
  • The flagship offers an expansive collection of wallcoverings, rugs, furniture, and more, and aims to capture the welcoming, gracious environment the brand is known for while signaling its evolution.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But these aren’t gods in oh-so-gracious robes or with armor or holding lightning bolts in their hands.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Best Things to See and Do One of the highlights of the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is its access to hiking trails, so make sure to bring decent walking or hiking shoes and a warm layer or two.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Used a mulch, leaves keep soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Owner and innkeeper John Lavin took over the three-story home, built in 1890, in 2021, and the property continues to charm guests with its creative design, hospitable amenities, and home-away-from-home atmosphere.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, recent increases in overnight temperatures in Texas may have made the region more hospitable to tropical species, which could explain green jays’ expansion north, according to Keitt.
    Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Box tree moths are native to temperate and subtropical climates in Asia and were first reported in Ohio in June 2023.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Tokyo has always been a major tourist destination, particularly in late March through early April, when billowy cherry blossoms take center stage and temperate weather is the norm.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Customer service was easy and pleasant.
    Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Stierli is particularly concerned with the situation at Great Falls, where trails and picturesque cliffsides along the Potomac River attract many visitors, especially with this weekend’s pleasant weather.
    Brian Todd, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The area also features a red mini fridge for easy access to snacks and drinks, and a custom bath with kid-friendly touches, like step-stools to reach the trough sink, alphabet artwork, and a large jar full of bath toys.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The most-balanced wide receiver prospect in America, Tyson is a terrific blocker with QB-friendly tendencies and the size to play anywhere.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a gentle fractional laser treatment that works by creating micro zones of heat in the skin, benefiting the complexion while boosting elasticity.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Even its most mean-spirited plotline, in which a married couple assemble a fake theater production to humiliate their ex-neighbor whose noisiness prompted them to move, is presented as more of a gentle exercise in silliness than anything truly vindictive.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Located in historic downtown Gainesville, the Victorian complex is a nice breather before and after the intensity of game day in Gainesville, and the drive to the stadium is less than 10 minutes.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Napheesa will probably sit this one out, but Bryce still has time to send his commish a nice greeting card.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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