1
as in gracious
having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations
a genial host who makes a point of speaking personally to each and every guest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in warm
having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest
genial new neighbors who helped us unpack boxes and brought us dinner our first night in the new place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hospitable
showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations
his genial offer to give me his seat on the bus
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in temperate
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
wanted to move to a more genial clime for health reasons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of genial
Rasche, somewhat challenging his Succession corporate-hanger-on image, opts for a genial warmth that obscures emotional absence.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Using his advanced age to good use, De Niro is a charmer playing the genial, friendly grandpa front Hale uses to befriend the Osage and ingratiate himself into their community.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2025
As Frank, De Niro is all genial shrugs and winces, chattering in a recognizable lower register and grinning his classic jowly grin.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
This genial doc-by-way-of-a-video-game may have been born out of the pandemic, which is what prompted out-of-work actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen to attempt a production of Hamlet staged entirely within Grand Theft Auto Online.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Using his advanced age to good use, De Niro is a charmer playing the genial, friendly grandpa front Hale uses to befriend the Osage and ingratiate himself into their community.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2025
As Frank, De Niro is all genial shrugs and winces, chattering in a recognizable lower register and grinning his classic jowly grin.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
This genial doc-by-way-of-a-video-game may have been born out of the pandemic, which is what prompted out-of-work actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen to attempt a production of Hamlet staged entirely within Grand Theft Auto Online.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
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The draft will be held in Green Bay, and the NFL always brings in collegians who figure to be taken high, so Commissioner Roger Goodell can be the gracious host and hug them after they’re picked.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Apr. 2025
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Rose was gracious as ever after his second straight time finishing second in a major, having lost out at Royal Troon last summer.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While the white oak shelves and tin ceiling create a beautiful space, my staff and I have worked hard to cultivate a warm and inviting environment for everyone.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
In warmer states, cicadas usually come out in late April or May.—
Taylor Johnston,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Kennedy could fire the task force and appoint members more hospitable to his agenda or impose his own decisions, experts said.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Being hospitable is one of my big things when people come to our home.—
Sophia A. Nelson,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Spanish canals operated in a temperate climate and were managed by individual farmers who could maintain or increase their water flow.—
Ari Caramanica,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the more temperate weather can be the best time to snuggle up outside, sit by a fire pit, and enjoy a new piece of outdoor furniture.—
Shea Simmons,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Most of the week should be pleasant in the Baltimore area, with temperatures hovering in the upper 70s and low 80s before a chance of showers into the weekend.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Apr. 2025
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On bord, the Norse flight attendants were pleasant and service was frequent.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In addition to a beach that could pass for the Caribbean, neighboring Siesta Key has a friendly, small-town feel, complete with two villages and a trolley that offers free rides to the beach and other destinations.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2025
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Ford sat down with Carney for a friendly breakfast in a Toronto diner in March.—
Stephen Maher,
Time,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Follow discipline with a calm, comforting debrief Debriefing conversations should be gentle and happen after everyone has calmed down.—
Caroline Fleck, Contributor,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
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When using a soothing, gentle and slightly higher-pitched voice, a dog will understand it as nonthreatening and reassuring.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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