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
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
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
In Sport, power delivery was more genial than jolting.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026
Turan hands me off to his roommate, Rory Carmichael, a genial 39-year-old engineer.
—Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026
Lindgren, the genial kind-hearted young hotel general manager who was the consummate promoter, had worked his magic.
—Bill Hancock, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for genial
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
In Sport, power delivery was more genial than jolting.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026
Turan hands me off to his roommate, Rory Carmichael, a genial 39-year-old engineer.
—Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026
Lindgren, the genial kind-hearted young hotel general manager who was the consummate promoter, had worked his magic.
—Bill Hancock, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
-
Branham recalled how raucous the crowd was and how gracious Busch was interacting with fans.—
Zach Powell,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
-
There’s an art to being a gracious guest.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
All rooms, including mine on the sixth floor (639), were updated in 2017 by American designer Ed Tuttle in a warm neutral and gold palette.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
The 26-inch inseam keeps things cropped and cool, which is perfect for warmer spring destinations, and its natural fibers keep you comfortable in the heat.—
Robin Raven,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Grist recently reported that climate change is making oceans more hospitable to Vibrio.—
Eva Flowe
June 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
-
In the South, our houses are all about the exterior charm which sets the tone for the inviting and hospitable interior beyond the front door.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
The evolutionary solution, for most temperate insects, is to use the light signal as the primary trigger and treat temperature as a secondary modifier.—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
Kelp fringes nearly a third of the planet’s coastlines and is an iconic feature of temperate waters, from California and Chile to Norway, Japan, and Australia.—
Tatjana Baleta,
Time,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The temptation to go with Krick’s more pleasant (and somehow more spiritually American) forecast is obviously great.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
Walker Buehler has been a pleasant and necessary surprise, even providing the Padres with the occasional quality start.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Museums, statues and sculptures dedicated to Andersen’s life and stories thread through cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly streets, giving the city a fairytale atmosphere that feels woven into the architecture itself.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
-
Salustri books a cottage at one of the last remaining mom-and-pop stays in Islamorada, White Gate Court, a pet-friendly collection of cottages with its own private beach.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Chongqing-style chicken rustling with red chiles, mapo tofu and gentle Hainan chicken rice check boxes for mass appeal.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Her mother had been a schoolteacher and Boston had a teacher’s gentle manner and studious tone.—
Thomas Lake,
AJC.com,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Spring peas and wild rice make a nice combo filling for sweet bell peppers!—
Mary Ann Esposito,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
