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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Through gracious moves and quiet motion, his presence adds more drama to a simple image.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
My colleagues were more than gracious enough to take some time out of their day to taste-test copious amounts of chocolate.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Writing a novel is a solitary experience but not writing one is even more so, without the occasional call from an editor or marketing person to keep me warm.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
An hour in McIntyre’s company is a warm, convivial whirlwind of enthusiasm, jokes and anecdotes.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Notably, young calves have thinner blubber and more limited thermal insulation than adults, which makes warmer breeding areas much more hospitable than the frigid Arctic seas.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Though the Lisle arboretum has no cacao trees — the Midwest isn’t a hospitable growing climate — there will be a number of workshops and plenty of chocolate on sale.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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After working up an appetite in the more temperate months, meals can be taken at the outdoor dining pavilion alongside the home.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2026
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While potholes are most often associated with northern climates, those living in more-temperate regions can encounter them as well.—
Jim Gorzelany,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Taking a break at the end of a day in London working with Florence, Heffington spoke to Billboard about the pleasant surprises working with Styles and Bad Bunny — and how both projects felt like a form of protest.—
Rebecca Milzoff,
Billboard,
30 Jan. 2026
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Food and drink There are three main restaurants on site, in addition to several other lodges and grab-and-go options, a truly pleasant diversity of offerings considering the resort’s small size.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Don’t overlook any of these taxpayer-friendly changes, including the higher income limits for the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, for people living in states with higher taxes.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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After this, Roggeveen decided to send two sloops and three other boats to shore and make friendly introductions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The palate leans on toffee, dark honey, orange peel, and a gentle rye spice that hangs around without dominating.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Briceno recommends cleaning your lips with a gentle, nondrying cleanser (his go-to is Purdori Natural Cleanser) to start.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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And this is in a nice, pretty on-campus facility, not the old, dumpy Astrodome (although the Astrodome is still up, which is another story).—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
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Here’s how to stay safe The recent snow and ice storm turned much of the nation into a winter wonderland—from the safety of a nice, cozy sofa indoors.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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