GENIAL Synonyms: 221 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'genial' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of genial are affable , cordial , gracious , and sociable . While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality. // a genial companion with a ready quip

Q: When is it sensible to use 'affable' instead of 'genial'?

The words affable and genial can be used in similar contexts, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals. // though wealthy, she was affable to all

Q: When can 'cordial' be used instead of 'genial'?

The meanings of cordial and genial largely overlap; however, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness. // our host was cordial as he greeted us

Q: When would 'gracious' be a good substitute for 'genial'?

While the synonyms gracious and genial are close in meaning, gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration. // the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

Q: Where would 'sociable' be a reasonable alternative to 'genial'?

The synonyms sociable and genial are sometimes interchangeable, but sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others. // sociable people who enjoy entertaining

genial

adjective

ˈjēn-yəl

Definition of genial next

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hospitable

showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations his genial offer to give me his seat on the bus

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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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word genial different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of genial are affable, cordial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When is it sensible to use affable instead of genial?

The words affable and genial can be used in similar contexts, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When can cordial be used instead of genial?

The meanings of cordial and genial largely overlap; however, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When would gracious be a good substitute for genial?

While the synonyms gracious and genial are close in meaning, gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

Where would sociable be a reasonable alternative to genial?

The synonyms sociable and genial are sometimes interchangeable, but sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

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 In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries 2024 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming One of nation’s most powerful Black executives, Parsons was an astute, soft spoken and genial presence. —

Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 26 Dec. 2024 Seeger comes across at times like the genial Mister Rogers of the folk scene, while Dylan is its Marlon Brando. —

Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024 Most emphasized his athletic prowess, his genial nature, and his ample political experience. —

Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 His genial, almost bumbling, demeanor belies a quick brain and an avid user of technology. —

Patrick Frater, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for genial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial

Adjective

Samia is quick to accept the break-up, even gracious.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
The courtyard was essential, a way for mostly Jewish immigrants to replace the tenement’s narrow, stinking air shaft with a form of genuinely gracious living.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 Jan. 2025