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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
These compact detergent packs from SinkSuds are TSA-friendly, spill-proof, and take up almost no space in your bag. Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026 Other cities have removed street art under the threat of losing state funding, but Fort Lauderdale — known worldwide as a LGBTQ-friendly town — chose to fight back. Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 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
Argentina will also face Venezuela in another friendly this Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, allowing the team to stay local the following week. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025 Tuesday night, the teams will meet for the first of five annual friendlies designed to celebrate soccer culture in the region. Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • That has come to bear in his latest effort, Junior, a gorgeous 50-seat restaurant full of warm sound and spirit.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • First, fill the tub with warm water and dissolve one tablet, or one-half tablet for sinks.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Super Bowl Sunday will bring watch parties with overflowing snack tables and a familiar lineup of wings, chips and dip.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • This moment marks the transition from familiar to unpredictable.
    Micki Meyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Both readings were less than anticipated, in a positive sign for consumers.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
  • And participating in sports that emphasize body functionality over physical appearance can have a positive effect on athletes’ overall well-being.
    Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Plentiful staff are ever-present and always obliging, without being obsequious.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The response to the investigation was swift and largely obliging.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Although the paint job catches the eye, the new stands, which cost about $87,000 each, have several features that will be helpful to lifeguards and beachgoers.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Calling it connects directly to scammers trained to sound calm, helpful and urgent at the same time.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Joanna Griffiths has experimented with executive coaches for years to help her work through challenges in leading $400 million intimates company Knix.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Called Layer Zero, the performance intimates brand will offer a collection priced $8 to $15 that will be sold primarily online but also at Costco.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To her credit, Shiffrin was gracious in defeat.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Shiffrin was predictably gracious in defeat — as rare as those defeats are.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the years, Grey and Pollan have remained close, often supporting one another through personal and professional milestones.
    Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The bus depot is two stories beneath the train platform and several blocks from the closest stairway.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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