Definitions

genial

[jeen-yuhl, jee-nee-uhl] / ˈdʒin yəl, ˈdʒi ni əl /

ADJECTIVE

extremely nice and happy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affable amiable cheerful cheery chipper congenial convivial easygoing gentle good-natured gracious jolly jovial kindly pleasant sociable sunny upbeat

WEAK

agreeable amicable blithe cheering chirpy cordial enlivening favorable friendly glad hearty high jocund joyous kind merry neighborly perky up warm warm-hearted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depressed disagreeable gloomy hateful mean nasty rude sad serious surly unfriendly unhappy unkind unsympathetic upset

WEAK

aloof cold cool cranky irritable moody

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Across the board, the staff is genial and preternaturally accommodating.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

In more ways than one: Cook got the top job at 50, the same age as Ternus, and both have a genial approach to management.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

When the genial 77-year-old Albany Law School graduate walked into his courtroom in lower Manhattan last week, he was presiding over a single refund case—involving a filtration company—that no one was watching.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Initially they rekindle a genial intimacy over art, meals and the city’s beauty.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

Up here, the genial Benjen Stark he had known became a different person.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing genial

Fast Food Nation

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Grade 10, List 6

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"The Lady, or the Tiger?" by Frank R. Stockton

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