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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of genial
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
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 draft will be held in Green Bay, and the NFL always brings in collegians who figure to be taken high, so Commissioner Roger Goodell can be the gracious host and hug them after they’re picked.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Apr. 2025
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Rose was gracious as ever after his second straight time finishing second in a major, having lost out at Royal Troon last summer.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 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
-
Bleaching occurs when warmer ocean temperatures cause the expulsion of algae that live in the coral tissue.—
Leah Sarnoff,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Kennedy could fire the task force and appoint members more hospitable to his agenda or impose his own decisions, experts said.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Being hospitable is one of my big things when people come to our home.—
Sophia A. Nelson,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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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Most of the week should be pleasant in the Baltimore area, with temperatures hovering in the upper 70s and low 80s before a chance of showers into the weekend.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Apr. 2025
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On bord, the Norse flight attendants were pleasant and service was frequent.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Her willpower wobbling, the 37-year-old nurse and mother of three pushed her shopping cart forward, giving the friendly salesman a wide berth.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
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Adopted in 2020, the Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities created a classification system for business and investors to know what activities are considered green or climate friendly.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
16 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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And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Genial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genial. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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