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noun

Synonym Chooser

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

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

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When could affable be used to replace cordial?

The synonyms affable and cordial are sometimes interchangeable, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When is genial a more appropriate choice than cordial?

In some situations, the words genial and cordial are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

In what contexts can gracious take the place of cordial?

The words gracious and cordial can be used in similar contexts, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use sociable instead of cordial?

While the synonyms sociable and cordial are close in meaning, 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 cordial
Adjective
There was bad news for American whiskey, however, which was down by nearly two percent (more than $5 billion) and cordials (down 3.6 percent). Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025 This basket includes the treats: chocolate caramel grahams, prosecco cordials, midnight snack mix and gourmet popcorn. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
The roughly two-hour hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday was mostly cordial. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 25 June 2025 This realization reconfigures the entire book, recasting their ongoing dialogue and seemingly cordial relations as an interstellar jail—and the novel itself into an extended, especially cruel prison sentence. Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • Since the 1950s, average temperatures in July have trended roughly 2.7 degrees warmer, according to the weather service.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 29 July 2025
  • Garages can be much warmer than the rest of homes due to poor insulation.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • The man was gifted, gracious, often generous and seldom mean-spirited.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2025
  • But goodness gracious, the Rockies are only (14-36) under Schaeffer after going 7-33 under Black.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Each single-serve stick pack blends easily into water and delivers a clean, low-calorie, zero-sugar formula with a refreshing taste (mango limeade, blood orange, and watermelon).
    Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • The best time to visit the park is in spring and early summer, when daytime temperatures are mild and Medano Creek flows with cool, refreshing water.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • In traditional Chinese medicine it’s considered a tonic for the body’s life force.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Glamour, 21 July 2025
  • Also, gin is a spirit highly appreciated by our guests, whether in a gin and tonic or as part of a cocktail.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • But if oil prices remain middling, even friendly policies might not compel companies to significantly ramp up drilling.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Best Prime Day Robot Vacuum Deals Need a friendly little robot to tidy up your house?
    Nena Farrell, Wired News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the people tasked with reviewing the project at its next step may not be as hospitable.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 3 July 2025
  • Until recently, the top of women’s tennis was a hospitable place for prodigies.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • In older adults, the drug can stay in the body for up to 18 hours, resulting in lingering sleepiness, disorientation and increasing risk of falling.
    Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Canada rebukes this, saying only tiny amounts of the drug are smuggled into the United States over their common border.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Over-the-counter medicine can also minimize inflammation and pain.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • The array of meditative healing rituals and energy sessions, such as a medicine wheel ceremony, aura photography, past life regression session, hypnosis, and reiki, takes full advantage of local Sedona experts in these areas.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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