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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
During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025 Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating. Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Adverb
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 Midtown offices offers an excellent view — especially of the giant purple robot and friendly-looking hot dog that are waving from behind skyscrapers. Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 28 July 2022
Noun
He was asked to join the U.S. men’s national team for a pair of upcoming friendlies ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup next month. Mark Zeigler, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 Men’s National Team for the June camp that features two international friendlies. Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • The husband greeted Qasem Hassan with a warm smile.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • These warm doors can accelerate growth, shorten sales cycles and unlock strategic opportunities that cold outreach or paid ads rarely can.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Playing familiar music can make using the toilet feel like a fun, comfortable activity, rather than a scary one.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 June 2025
  • The high school journey for Hiram Johnson’s students came to a close Wednesday with familiar themes in a new location.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Apart from some injury disruptions, the loan spell felt like a positive one.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • The catalysts of positive social change will be those who master hybrid intelligence—HI—the dynamic interplay between natural intelligence – NI – and artificial intelligence – AI.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • To date, more than 11,000 TikTok users have commented on the post, with many voicing their comedic takes on the viral moment and the cat's obliging demeanor.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Related Articles Until now exhibitions culminated in Saint Laurent’s studio on the upper floor of the museum, obliging visitors to backtrack toward the exit.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • For me, the the familiarity is a helpful tool, because everyone comes in with a certain set of expectations.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • Leaning into local markets and trends is helpful if your area sees a dip in activity, while striking while the iron is hot will serve those with more foot traffic.
    Rahim Madhavji, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • But make no mistake, the dozens, too, is a performance of the intimate.
    Hanif Abdurraqib June 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
  • Having spent years growing global brand revenue across fast-growing start-ups and a few U.S. Fortune 500 companies at leading advertising firms, Cherubini joined the premium intimates label with a vast knowledge for executing strong consumer-centric strategies.
    Alexandra Pastore, Footwear News, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Everyone on set was so gracious and created such a safe space.
    Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 5 June 2025
  • Though the mill and its towering chimney are long gone, the house remains—gracious, elegant, and full of period charm.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the women became her close friends, and one became a longtime girlfriend.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • Or, that their connection through her stepdad was not close enough to matter.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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