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cordial

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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
But Trump surprised supporters and foes alike by inviting the Democrat to the White House for what ended up being a cordial meeting in November. Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2026 But Trump surprised supporters and foes alike by inviting the Democrat to the White House for what ended up being a cordial meeting in November. Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
To wit, cordials, shrubs and kombuchas are all made in-house, inspired by seasonality. Brad Japhe, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • What better month to hunker down, swathed in a cozy sweater, with a warm drink and a good book in hand, than January?
    Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Frisbee recounts feeling bathed in warm light and then having had a vision of himself leading thousands of hippies into the Pacific Ocean to be baptized.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After the initial encounter, sending a brief email or text is both gracious and strategic.
    Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Our recipe hails from Mary Ada Marshall, a resident of Smith Island, who was gracious enough to share her recipe.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • If refreshing your home is a goal for 2026, consider soft pieces that make your space feel extra cozy during winter.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • When paired with the refreshing quiet of the desert, the setting is truly a respite from daily stressors.
    Kristine Thomason, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Hi Boy blood orange cardamom social tonic and topped with a burning cinnamon stick.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
  • What the Research Suggests Pinning down concrete research insights on oxymel’s health benefits is tricky—studies have tested many versions of the tonic, making results difficult to compare.
    Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Head to Amazon now to shop even more petite-friendly comfy pants, and keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Looking for more cold-weather-friendly sets?
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • From curious critters to temperature fluctuations, the conditions in a garden shed aren't always hospitable for your back-stock items.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Determined to cast a wider net in humanity's search for sustenance, a group of NASA scientists travel to space to investigate three planets that could potentially prove hospitable for humans.
    Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The driver of the truck, a 40-year-old man, was not hurt and will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, which police say is standard procedure.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Such advances are particularly valuable in drug discovery, where precise molecular design is essential, as well as in the development of advanced materials and agrochemicals.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Naltrexone is available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a primary care doctor, addiction medicine specialist or psychiatrist.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • She's been vocal about the unique needs of helping the BIPOC population, which often lacked access to or trust in traditional medicine.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cordial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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