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
as in sweetness
the state or quality of having a pleasant or agreeable manner in socializing with others
her unforced geniality never fails to draw fellow passengers into a conversation with her
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of genial
Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Tim, insecure and itchy for a sense of career purpose, commits to a band tour, while Millie befriends a genial faculty colleague (Damon Herriman) who lives down the lane.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
This very genial revue struggles to find its rhythm, especially in the first half.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Monologuing for an hour and a half is no walk in the park, but the genial A-lister tackles the task at hand with aw-shucks charisma and confidence.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Adjective
Her father is genial enough; her mother mostly watches cat videos on the internet.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Tim, insecure and itchy for a sense of career purpose, commits to a band tour, while Millie befriends a genial faculty colleague (Damon Herriman) who lives down the lane.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
This very genial revue struggles to find its rhythm, especially in the first half.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Monologuing for an hour and a half is no walk in the park, but the genial A-lister tackles the task at hand with aw-shucks charisma and confidence.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
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In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
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While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With this warmer water, however, keep an eye on clarity.—
Anthony A. Ciuffa,
Outdoor Life,
7 Aug. 2025
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Decked out in the hotel's signature warm woods and lush fabrics, the king-sized suite features an expansive living room; a deep, limestone soaking tub; and complimentary Balmain bath amenities.—
Jalyn Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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By 2015, however, Huntington Park had become so hospitable to immigrants that a city councilmember appointed two of them living in the country illegally to serve on city commissions — a first in California.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
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One expert associated with RMS Titanic, Inc. remarked that outer space was more hospitable and easier to reach.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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Those individuals experienced up to an 8 percent additional drop in kidney function each year compared with those living in temperate climates.—
Nora Bradford,
Scientific American,
29 July 2025
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The list includes places like Malta, a five-island nation with terrific beaches, a temperate climate and low crime, and Belize, the only Central American country with English as its official language.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Think wild strawberries and mineral lift with just enough texture to add a pleasant element of complexity, something not often found in entry-level rosé.—
Devin Parr,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Mini marshmallows add a chewy, soft contrast, while crunchy lemon cookies give the dessert a pleasant crunch.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In today’s opinions newsletter: The value of public land, Arizona’s friendly stance toward tech and Mexico’s president, the Trump whisperer. Arizona has about 30 million acres of public land.—
Joanna Allhands,
AZCentral.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Time-traveling romances, space-traveling alien monsters, and celebrities in seriously great shape who want to pass along their wisdom to us normal folk — all this and more await us in this weekend’s friendly neighborhood streaming guide.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Be gentle and pat (don't rub) dry with a clean towel.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Aug. 2025
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The rich, mousse-like formula felt smooth and hydrating and was gentle on her skin.—
Esme Benjamin,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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There is a blended family about to be formed, as well as a blending of cultures within that family that was nice to see.—
Katie Grant,
Parents,
7 Aug. 2025
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Viewing records make for nice headlines but wider distribution also mean big business.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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