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
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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
That was unusually blunt from the typically genial Pritzker, who’s mainly tried to keep a public lid on his obvious irritation with Johnson.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Known for his genial wit, Grover had joined the Office of Strategic Services during World War II before returning to head the Archives in 1948.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Director Kyle Balda serves up a cup of comfort and joy with his pleasant, cozy British mystery, a creature feature charmer where cute talking animatronic sheep hoof it about a quaint little village to figure out who slew their genial shepherd George (Hugh Jackman).
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
King favored a genial, non-confrontational style that critics derided as too easygoing and soft for a news network, but which made his program a natural stop for politicians and entertainers who wanted to make their views known without sparking overt conflict.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for genial
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Known for his genial wit, Grover had joined the Office of Strategic Services during World War II before returning to head the Archives in 1948.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Director Kyle Balda serves up a cup of comfort and joy with his pleasant, cozy British mystery, a creature feature charmer where cute talking animatronic sheep hoof it about a quaint little village to figure out who slew their genial shepherd George (Hugh Jackman).
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
King favored a genial, non-confrontational style that critics derided as too easygoing and soft for a news network, but which made his program a natural stop for politicians and entertainers who wanted to make their views known without sparking overt conflict.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
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The closet is a nod to British country estates where gracious hosts kept a row of jackets ready for visiting friends.—
John Wogan,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Nov. 2025
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People mean well and are gracious.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
23 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The park sits at the intersection of the higher, cooler Mojave Desert and the lower, warmer Colorado Desert.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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Pour the lot into a blender, add ice, and your Moscow mule becomes even more of a warm-weather lounge-fellow.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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According to the YouGov poll, the restaurant, known for its Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich and hospitable employees, ranked above others like KFC, Popeye’s and Raising Cane’s.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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There are ways to make your landscape safe and more hospitable for pollinators.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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These grasses thrive in cooler climates, though some can be found in the Southern states (especially in the temperate Upper South), including the following species.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
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Those in temperate regions can keep it in a pot that's brought indoors for winter.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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These dessert bars offer a delightful combination of sweet and salty notes, with a satisfying crunch followed by a pleasant chewiness.—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
10 Dec. 2025
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The treatment was pleasant and completely painless—already a winner on my list.—
Maria Goldbach,
Vogue,
10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The hotel is also pet-friendly, allowing two animals of any size free of charge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
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Opponents Venezuela were booed and castigated, not least during a penalty shootout to decide the winners after a 0-0 friendly draw.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Sarnoski’s version likewise recasts the female character as a benevolent force, and is largely stripped of romance — though permits itself a streak of sentimentality in a subplot concerning the grizzled outlaw’s gentle bond with a young girl.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
11 June 2026
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The research is clear that a familiar, gentle fragrance can slow breathing, soften stress and turn a room into a memory.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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After Silseth, though, the Angels’ relievers did a nice job and the hitters executed in the 10th to push home the winner.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
11 June 2026
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Gavin theorizes that maybe everything is a little too nice, a little too boring, and Kenny wants some more passion in his relationship.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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