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
As mayor of the global megalopolis, Mohan knows one of his chief duties is to communicate a genial unflappability rather than a slick charm.
—
Belinda Luscombe, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
Despite the hearing’s overall genial tone, Isaacman did face some tough questions about his support for NASA’s climate science and agricultural data missions, which the Project Athena plan reportedly proposed outsourcing to academia.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 3 Dec. 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.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Carlos, the genial host and himself an ardent art lover, added a warm welcoming Miami touch of his own.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Belinda Luscombe, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
Despite the hearing’s overall genial tone, Isaacman did face some tough questions about his support for NASA’s climate science and agricultural data missions, which the Project Athena plan reportedly proposed outsourcing to academia.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 3 Dec. 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.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Carlos, the genial host and himself an ardent art lover, added a warm welcoming Miami touch of his own.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
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From the gracious foyer to the expansive living room with horizonless views, every detail signals residential grandeur.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Of all the Welk stars, the harmonizing Lennon Sisters have always been among the most gracious and congenial.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tea is presented alongside the ritualistic high pour synonymous with Moroccan tradition, which is not only an enjoyable spectacle, but a gesture of warm welcome.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
-
This week’s storms are especially welcome because the statewide snowpack has been lagging after weeks of unusually warm, dry weather.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The shark had apparently found the most hospitable band within that stack and was tracking it along the seafloor.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
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For Muslims, many of whom eschew alcohol, and for anyone seeking liquor-free or family-friendly social options, the cafes are hospitable hangouts and a late-night alternative to nighttime clubbing.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This region is similar to the Northeast but slightly more temperate and with more regular rainfall.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
17 Feb. 2026
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The dammuso stays temperate thanks to its 19-to-23-inch-thick stone walls, which slowly absorb heat during the day and release it at night, and its domes—more than 13-feet tall—that allow rising heat to dissipate above the living spaces.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What might be a pleasant wine on the ground often loses nuance or becomes imbalanced in flight since the low cabin pressure tends to mute aromas.—
Karla Walsh,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is in full bloom, and water excursions like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are also especially pleasant at this time of year, even if the water’s a bit chilly, at least to natives.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With the city facing multiple lawsuits over the billing debacle, Clark helped oversee a friendly class-action lawsuit against the city, the judge found.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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The Zero Waste Textile Expo is a free, family-friendly event designed to highlight the environmental impact of consuming fast fashion and soft consumer goods while providing education about sustainable solutions and zero waste options anyone can participate in.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Wash gym clothes on a gentle setting.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
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They are specifically designed to provide gentle, even pressure across the body.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Having a set time to do individual work has been nice.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
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While more attacking and midfield options are always nice, Orlando’s real problem lies in replacing key defenders who departed in the offseason.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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