Synonym Chooser

How is the word good-natured distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of good-natured are amiable, complaisant, and obliging. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

Where would amiable be a reasonable alternative to good-natured?

The synonyms amiable and good-natured are sometimes interchangeable, but amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When could complaisant be used to replace good-natured?

The meanings of complaisant and good-natured largely overlap; however, complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

When can obliging be used instead of good-natured?

The words obliging and good-natured can be used in similar contexts, but obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

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 good-natured In this fizzy comedy, Hit Man breakout Adria Arjona asks for a divorce from her good-natured husband (Kyle Marvin), prompting him to turn to his friends (Dakota Johnson and Michael Angelo Covino, also the film’s director) for support. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2025 Since then, Davis, a good-natured golden retriever, has become a fixture at Indian Trails Elementary School in Frankfort. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025 On top of being the office's frequent target for jokes, Jerry’s good-natured spirit and love for his wife and daughters highlight this Water sign’s adoration for home and family. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The action is passable, the mythology is generic, and the post-credits scene is overly optimistic about the prospects for a sequel, but there’s a good-natured sense of wonder that ties it all together. Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • The draft will be held in Green Bay, and the NFL always brings in collegians who figure to be taken high, so Commissioner Roger Goodell can be the gracious host and hug them after they’re picked.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Rose was gracious as ever after his second straight time finishing second in a major, having lost out at Royal Troon last summer.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the week should be pleasant in the Baltimore area, with temperatures hovering in the upper 70s and low 80s before a chance of showers into the weekend.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
  • On bord, the Norse flight attendants were pleasant and service was frequent.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Surrounded and protected by the lagoon that separates Argentario from the mainland, this amiable town feels like Madrid’s little Tuscan twin, with its sunny disposition, well developed café culture, and houses in every shade of ocher.
    Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The fine lighting, thick tablecloths, settings and stemware are first class, and the waitstaff, since my last visit a few years back, is now measurably improved in its amiable professionalism.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the sweet mash process, a fresh mash is made every time.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Delicately sweet figs balance the tang and sour bite of balsamic vinegar.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Good-natured.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-natured. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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