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Definitions

cordial

[kawr-juhl, -dee-uhl] / ˈkɔr dʒəl, -di əl /
ADJECTIVE
friendly, sociable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affectionate amicable cheerful congenial cozy earnest gracious heartfelt hearty jovial neighborly polite sincere sympathetic warm warmhearted welcoming
STRONG
glowing heart-to-heart social tender
WEAK
affable agreeable buddy-buddy clubby companionable convivial genial happy invigorating mellow palsy-walsy red-carpet responsive wholehearted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cold cool disagreeable insincere rude sad uncaring unconcerned unenthusiastic unfeeling unfriendly unhappy unkind unsociable unsympathetic
WEAK
aloof hostile indifferent inhospitable uncordial unpleasant

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.

I actually met Wilder once in Dubai and he was great - cordial, high energy, a really nice guy - but as a fighter, of late, there is a question mark.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

For Hussain, the "cordial relationship" between Pakistan and Bangladesh has made a big difference for Pakistani Bengalis.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

People who know Selig described him as buttoned-up and cordial, with a thoughtful rather than dogmatic approach to the legal questions around crypto and prediction markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

I asked Warsh via the Hoover Institution to comment on the criticisms he’s received and got a cordial demurral from a Hoover representative.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

I was always very cordial with the white wardresses, and I noticed that my visits caused considerable interest.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.