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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
The big picture: While the meeting on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine was cordial, the peacekeepers deployment was about the only significant plan the two world leaders agreed on during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025 Club officials had a ‘cordial’ meeting with Spain’s refereeing body to listen to the VAR audio from their 1-0 defeat to Espanyol. Ali Rampling, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
Tucked away on a quiet street just around the corner from the bubbly bistros, highlights include guest rooms with private terraces featuring views of Saint Sulpice Church and the fireplace studded living room and library lounge where a classic Parisian breakfast, wine, and cordials are included. Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Sep. 2024 That included using demerara sugar to make syrups out of rinds, macerating leftover bits for cordials, and clarifying juices to extend shelf lives. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • To make naan: Activate your yeast by combining the packet with warm water.
    Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Paired with warm water and your preferred cleanser, gently swirl the brush along the glove’s rigid textures.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Ohtani is back in Japan and that puts an even bigger grin on these gracious locals.
    Jay Paris, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • There's a little sprinkled throughout, but these all-stars are by and large gracious and amiable.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s often enjoyed with ice and can even be mixed with other beverages like beer for a refreshing cocktail.
    Emily Price, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Napoleon Photo : Maker's Mark Born in the California beach enclave of Montecito, the Napoleon comes by its refreshing summer vibes honestly, even if it is made with a seemingly unsummery spirit.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Coca-Cola was originally used as a nerve and brain tonic and a medical elixir.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Many will overcome their fears that the technology will replace them and accept it as a tonic to their stresses.
    Gene Marks, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a legacy out there of bad harvests and tough winters that by some alchemy brings out the best in people, reminds them to be friendly and kind, and put others first.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The doorman is very friendly and asks if there’s a party going on.
    Devan Díaz, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When thinking about quintessential Southern attributes, qualities like hospitable, benevolent, and polite come to mind.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The names of the beers on tap all have local ties and the family that runs the place is hospitable.
    Trudy Haywood Saunders, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Lilly’s chief rival in the GLP-1 drug class Novo Nordisk was getting hit harder, down almost 10%, after releasing another batch of trial results looking at its next-generation weight-loss treatment called CagriSema.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
  • From drug discovery and clinical decision support to personalized treatment planning and administrative efficiency, healthcare has emerged as one of AI’s most promising and impactful application domains, with potential benefits for providers, patients, and healthcare systems alike.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • All of this — new medicines, new jobs, new opportunities for kids — is too important to lose.
    Megan Barkdull, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Although the secretary of state and Elon Musk have assured the public that the new administration’s actions have not disrupted the distribution of life-saving medicine, that just isn’t true.
    John Green, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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