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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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

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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

Examples 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 Indeed, the tone of the debate turned out to be genial. —

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 Erving was the telegenic, genial face of two leagues during his 16-year professional career, carrying the ABA for five seasons with the Virginia Squires and New York Nets before going to Philly and the NBA in 1976 as part of the NBA-ABA merger. —

David Aldridge, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 Jung is an able counterpart to the genial Lee, whose doggedness soon starts to take on an unhinged quality. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024 The cowboy humorist saw politics as an endeavor for genial discussion, not a blood sport. —

Steven Watts, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for genial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for genial

Adjective

His acceptance speech was just like him: gracious and humble.

AllBusiness, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
When it was announced that the Last Splash classic lineup of the Breeders (Kim Deal on rhythm guitar and vocals, twin sister Kelley on lead guitar, Josephine Wiggs on bass, and Jim Macpherson on drums) would be opening select dates in 2024 for Olivia Rodrigo, Deal was both shocked and gracious.

Drew Fortune, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024