as in to friend
to become a friend to (someone)
He befriended the new student.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of befriend
Then Susan went to the Philadelphia College of Art and met Jade Lee, while Ted studied at New York City’s School of Visual Arts and befriended Lauren Roselli.
—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
She gets befriended by the wildly popular Courtney (Liz Georges), who becomes not only a close pal but a valuable second perspective for both the show and Ginger herself.
—
Skyler Trepel,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 June 2026
If all else fails, just try to befriend weather-friendly colors.
—
Perri Ormont Blumberg,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2026
Martin, who died in 1995 at age 78, befriended Humperdinck as his career was taking off.
—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for befriend
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
She gets befriended by the wildly popular Courtney (Liz Georges), who becomes not only a close pal but a valuable second perspective for both the show and Ginger herself.
—
Skyler Trepel,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 June 2026
If all else fails, just try to befriend weather-friendly colors.
—
Perri Ormont Blumberg,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2026
Martin, who died in 1995 at age 78, befriended Humperdinck as his career was taking off.
—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for befriend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befriend
Verb
-
But this time Williams’ violence took the life of a boy who friends and family described as compassionate, shy, and kind.
-
The discourse started to boil when the Duchess of Sussex declared to friend Mindy Kaling that her last name is now Sussex in season 1 of Netflix’s With Love, Meghan, which premiered in March 2025.
Verb
-
Actress Mariska Hargitay, who joined Swift courtside at Madison Square Garden during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, appears to have one notable gap in her Broadway schedule.
-
Carr may be joining the Lakers at the exact right moment as the team — with the investment and guidance from big brother organization the Dodgers — will expand weight room, treatment and sports science resources in its facility.
Cite this Entry
“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befriend. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
