Definitions

congenial

[kuhn-jeen-yuhl] / kənˈdʒin yəl /

ADJECTIVE

friendly, compatible

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affable agreeable convivial cordial favorable genial gracious harmonious jovial mellow pleasant pleasing sociable sympathetic

WEAK

adapted amical clubby companionable compatible complaisant congruous consistent consonant conversable cooperative delightful fit good-humored happy kindly kindred like-minded regular fellow right neighborly social suitable well-suited

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aloof cold cool disagreeable discordant harsh hateful mean nasty unfriendly unhappy unkind unpleasant unsociable

WEAK

ill-suited incompatible uncongenial unsympathetic

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.

Mary Todd Lincoln won’t go down in history as one of the most influential or congenial first ladies.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Fuentes is a dweeby kid in an ill-fitting suit, with none of the congenial charms of Joe Rogan or masculine swagger of Andrew Tate.

From Slate • Dec. 5, 2025

Despite the challenges, the mood at the awards show was congenial, with attendees shouting out to one another on stage, in the lobby and from their cars as they pulled into the parking lot.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2025

Sir John said the world was changing and "may not be reshaping in a way that is congenial to the West".

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2025

Howard has scheduled me to have Friday off one week, Tuesday and Wednesday the next, and I would have to do some serious sucking up to arrive at a more stable and congenial schedule.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Vocabulary lists containing congenial

"The Landlady" by Roald Dahl

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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 8–13

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Grade 10, List 6

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