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
Elio helps deescalate a conflict with a space warlord and reconnects with his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña) by befriending and then saving the life of the warlord’s young son.
—
Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
As a social worker, volunteer youth counselor and personal mentor, Lesko befriended and groomed his victims, some of whom were less than 13 years old, according to township officials and court records.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
At the construction site, Sanchez has befriended many of the workers who eat her burritos, which deters harassment.
—Yasara Gunawardena, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda Lindsey befriended Tanya in season 1, but did not return for season 2.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for befriend
Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
As a social worker, volunteer youth counselor and personal mentor, Lesko befriended and groomed his victims, some of whom were less than 13 years old, according to township officials and court records.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
At the construction site, Sanchez has befriended many of the workers who eat her burritos, which deters harassment.
—Yasara Gunawardena, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda Lindsey befriended Tanya in season 1, but did not return for season 2.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for befriend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befriend
Verb
-
Brad and Tina Perry, of League City, were camping in their RV in Kerrville when the rain-swollen waters rose early in the morning on Friday, July 4, friends Steven and Debbie Whatley told CBS affiliate KHOU.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
6 July 2025
-
How 'Ratatouille' made Patton Oswalt and Anthony Bourdain friends Anthony Bourdain's TV and movie cameos: The Simpsons, Archer and more Johnson has also been linked to a potential Magic the Gathering film project from Legendary and Hasbro, according to Deadline.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Goldberg joins Ilana's former coworkers to perform the song while wearing a nun outfit, clearly referencing her involvement in the Sister Act film series.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
-
The early-morning radio show announced via TikTok on Thursday night that Ice Cube would join their live show Friday.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befriend. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share