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Definition of friendlynext
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as in obliging
willing to do a favor a kid-friendly restaurant with high chairs and a special menu for small-fry appetites

Synonyms & Similar Words

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friendly

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adverb

friendly

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective friendly contrast with its synonyms?

The words amicable and neighborly are common synonyms of friendly. While all three words mean "exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism," friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations.

sought friendly advice

When can amicable be used instead of friendly?

Although the words amicable and friendly have much in common, amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel.

maintained amicable relations

In what contexts can neighborly take the place of friendly?

The words neighborly and friendly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle.

neighborly concern

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 friendly
Adjective
The global 737 Max fleet has already logged hundreds of thousands of flight hours, according to aviation analytics company Cirium, and after working out the significant early technical issues, has become a safe way to fly the friendly skies. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 20 May 2026 Iran ​says its aim is ⁠to reopen the strait to friendly countries that abide by its terms ‌to use it. Reuters, NBC news, 20 May 2026
Adverb
The couple, parents of two young children, felt something more family friendly fit their lives in 2022. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2022 Wednesday had a friendly-looking cloud and a few raindrops, and Thursday had a dark, threatening cloud with heavier drops. F. Martin Ralph, Scientific American, 19 Aug. 2022
Noun
During a 1965 friendly between Brazil and Belgium, Ferreira took a photograph of Pelé performing a bicycle kick attempt. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Mar. 2026 As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Mexico will host Uruguay on Sunday at Estadio Corona in an international friendly. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • Insider tip Stephanie, the innkeeper, is an innkeeper in the truest sense—warm, soft-spoken, and genuinely concerned about guests’ well-being.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
  • In warm weather, your kitchen can get unpleasantly hot when cooking in a standard oven.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • As the adrenaline levels rose on Monday and Tuesday, and the familiar choreography of another British political crisis began to play out—ministerial resignations, spiky statements on X—the collateral damage that Starmer had warned against started to encroach, once again, upon the scene.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Eco effort Ocean Casino Resort is committed to investing in positive environmental change through beach cleanups, charitable contributions, and advocacy including a partnership with an organic farm addressing food insecurity, soil regeneration, and community inclusiveness in Atlantic City.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • His history with China has not been positive — he is embroiled with allies and enemies, and faces an economy that could derail his leadership.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Rarely does another forward group make Colorado look slow, but Minnesota seemed to delight in obliging.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
  • The service Service is warm and obliging.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Things feel breezy, but that doesn’t mean staff aren’t helpful or at the ready.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Curated by Our Editors Still, most experts agree that chatbots can be helpful to people seeking medical information, if used cautiously.
    Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The three smaller top drawers are ideal for intimates, socks, and other small items, while the full-sized drawers hold bulkier pieces like denim and T-shirts.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • Juicy Couture started in 1997 as a casual lifestyle brand and spans women’s, girls, babies, handbags, shoes, intimates, swimwear and accessories and jewelry.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Full-price items meet their most gracious price point for attainable at-home renos, and the sitewide sale prices finally make wedding registry shopping more affordable.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026
  • Sit for a spell on the gracious front porch or have a meal in the elegant onsite eatery.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Then, style it with jeans to hit the town for drinks with your closest friends.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Here, over a dozen or so hammocks hang from palm trees, swaying just over the water, close enough to dip your toes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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