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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of genial
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Using his advanced age to good use, De Niro is a charmer playing the genial, friendly grandpa front Hale uses to befriend the Osage and ingratiate himself into their community.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2025
As Frank, De Niro is all genial shrugs and winces, chattering in a recognizable lower register and grinning his classic jowly grin.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 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.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Adjective
Rasche, somewhat challenging his Succession corporate-hanger-on image, opts for a genial warmth that obscures emotional absence.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Using his advanced age to good use, De Niro is a charmer playing the genial, friendly grandpa front Hale uses to befriend the Osage and ingratiate himself into their community.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2025
As Frank, De Niro is all genial shrugs and winces, chattering in a recognizable lower register and grinning his classic jowly grin.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 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.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial
Adjective
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The building itself includes 24-hour concierge service and features a gracious lobby with a residents’ lounge.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2025
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Throughout the conversation, maintain a gracious tone regardless of immediate outcomes.—
Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While the white oak shelves and tin ceiling create a beautiful space, my staff and I have worked hard to cultivate a warm and inviting environment for everyone.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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In warmer states, cicadas usually come out in late April or May.—
Taylor Johnston,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Within the church, Francis shifted the pastoral practice toward a more hospitable, welcoming attitude toward those who had long felt excluded.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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This genetic isolation, the authors of the study reasoned, suggested the region likely wasn’t a migration corridor that linked sub-Saharan Africa to Northern Africa despite the Sahara’s hospitable conditions at the time.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Spanish canals operated in a temperate climate and were managed by individual farmers who could maintain or increase their water flow.—
Ari Caramanica,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the more temperate weather can be the best time to snuggle up outside, sit by a fire pit, and enjoy a new piece of outdoor furniture.—
Shea Simmons,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Thus, a trip to a coin-exchange kiosk (or a bank, or credit union) can yield a pleasant surprise.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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There are many pleasant features of playoff basketball.—
Shane Young,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Trump remarked on the friendly reception he's gotten from many in the billionaire class, including Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, during his second term.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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Ford sat down with Carney for a friendly breakfast in a Toronto diner in March.—
Stephen Maher,
Time,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Follow discipline with a calm, comforting debrief Debriefing conversations should be gentle and happen after everyone has calmed down.—
Caroline Fleck, Contributor,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
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This square isn’t necessarily gentle, but these big, bold and potentially unsettling shifts are ultimately necessary for our growth.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Elite firepower, stingy defense, and all-world goaltending to tie a nice bow on it.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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There may be a nice bunch of grapes, a couple slices of melon, and a hunk of juicy homegrown tomato.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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