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
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
When anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois took over CBS Evening News last year, part of the network’s strategy was to imitate a local news format, with a genial cast of personalities reporting from the field.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
October Paddington Bear is the genial literary creation that has spawned a movie franchise, a West End stage play, and now, a bizarre legal tussle.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for genial
Bill Hancock, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
When anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois took over CBS Evening News last year, part of the network’s strategy was to imitate a local news format, with a genial cast of personalities reporting from the field.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
October Paddington Bear is the genial literary creation that has spawned a movie franchise, a West End stage play, and now, a bizarre legal tussle.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
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The architecture reflects that stately sensibility, with a classic Colonial Revival facade that gives way to interiors scaled for both gracious entertaining and relaxed family living.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
24 Apr. 2026
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Polished, gracious — with a shadow just beneath the surface.—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But with warm weather and wildfire season ahead, community leaders would prefer to see a full reservoir even if the water isn’t suitable for drinking.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
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The 2026 allergy season is objectively worse than last year’s, driven by warmer temperatures and rising CO2 levels pushing plants to produce more pollen than ever before.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Smith incorporated Federal Express in 1971 in Little Rock, then moved the company to the hospitable and more centrally located Memphis International Airport.—
John Beifuss,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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The public beach at Siesta Key is hospitable with its large parking lot and concession stands for refreshing drinks and bites.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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During the temperate months, the lush atrium will be filled with an amalgam of well-heeled, work-from-home types and creative artists who likely live in the neighborhood.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
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The controversy stems from the fact that Mars seems to have had temperate climate periods with rain that deeply altered the rocks, as well as widespread rivers and lakes that persisted for potentially millions of years.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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His voice and his music are unfailingly tasteful and pleasant, which is a key part of both his appeal and limitations.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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The daily afternoon tea in Horizons is also extremely pleasant (don’t skip on the chicken sandwiches, which were more my beat than the scones and jam).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In the absence of the federal government incentivizing companies to make more environmentally friendly choices, state and/or local policies may also offer a way forward.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
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The two coastal towns are about eight miles apart; however, Lewes’s public beach is considered more family-friendly because of its calm bay waters.—
Dobrina Zhekova,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Under a blue sky and puffy clouds, a gentle wind blew through a sea of about 6,000 native plants — Santa Barbara milk vetch, golden yarrow and purple sage.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Naomi Watts’ Skincare Must-Haves for Perimenopause If your face feels tight after washing, this creamy cleanser can give your skin a gentle reset.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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So borrowing those things on Buy Nothing is really nice.—
Dania Maxwell,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
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Both Guerrero and Offerman were full of nice things to say about Kidman, who had just one day to shoot her wrestling scene and the previous day to rehearse it, for which Guerrero flew to Nashville to train with Kidman in a boxing gym alongside her stunt double, former wrestler Danielle Moinet.—
Scarlett Harris,
IndieWire,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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