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

John Ternus, who will succeed Cook as CEO on Sept. 1, is seen internally as a leader more like his genial predecessor than the sometimes-domineering Jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

His innocent smiles and genial facial expressions won over millions of viewers.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

And “This is Giles,” said Maxim, prodding my arm, and Giles stretched out an enormous paw and wrung my hand, squeezing the fingers limp, genial eyes smiling from behind horn-rimmed glasses.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

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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