Definition of CONGENIAL (original) (raw)
1
a
: pleasant
especially : agreeably suited to one's nature, tastes, or outlook
c
: existing or associated together harmoniously
Did you know?
According to ancient mythology, each person at birth was assigned a guardian spirit. The Latin name for this attendant spirit was genius. Two people who get along well together can be thought of as sharing a similar spirit. They might even be described by a word combining the Latin prefix com- (meaning "with, together") and _genius_—in English congenial.
Synonyms
Examples of congenial in a Sentence
She moved on, leaving behind the world of politics for the more congenial sphere of the arts. —
Amy Fine Collins, Vanity Fair, March 2001 Jackson may walk up to home plate with the cool strut of a superstar, but off the field he is warm and congenial. —Peter Gammons, Sports Illustrated, 12 June 1989 It turned out to be, for me, one of the most congenial and, in a way, lustrous gatherings that I have ever had in the White House. —Lady Bird Johnson 4 May 1965, in A White House Diary, 1970
The town is a congenial place for raising children. We studied in the congenial atmosphere of the library. He found the work to be congenial. She was congenial and easygoing.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The leather furniture, antler decor, and general congenial atmosphere are unbeatable companions as winter settles in. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 Our great diversity of climes and communities means that every American restless of home can find some place more congenial within our borders. —The Editors, National Review, 28 Nov. 2024 His past demonstrates a very congenial, charitable and considerate humanity. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024 The vibe is also congenial: A multi-generational, full-capacity crowd claps in time to the ebullient techno between games and cheers in unison when an announcement reveals that a Polish couple who’ve just got engaged here will be enjoying top-tier hospitality for the rest of the tournament. —Nick Scott, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for congenial 
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1625, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of congenial was circa 1625
Dictionary Entries Near congenial
Cite this Entry
“Congenial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congenial. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.
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Last Updated: 16 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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