Definition of good-naturednext

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 It certainly can be deployed sincerely, yet it’s almost always accompanied by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the head. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026 As the two catch up, Crudup veers from good-natured to sorrowful to bitter to menacing in a matter of minutes. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026 During a round of toasts, she was admonished — in a good-natured way — by co-workers, for raising her water glass. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025 Walter Schreiber was a good-natured man. Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • Even as nearly every impact name in the room around him received a nice handout from the Walton-Penner ownership group, Franklin-Myers continued to remain gracious to Denver and never careened around in public with his demands for a new contract.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps the most notable reply came from Crumbl itself, which took a gracious approach rather than a defensive one.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Are not random acts of rhyming gone wrong still more pleasant than thinking about squealing war-babies, the wrecking ball that is the last week of a Florida legislative session or the AI Apocalypse which should be here (checks watch) very soon?
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The fireplace, stone walls, and ambient lighting, paired with hand-cut steaks, homemade desserts, and Virginia wine pairings, lull diners into a pleasant reverie.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Of the 32 rooms, 12 are suites, and the remaining are superior double rooms, so all are a nice size.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
  • This one also had a nice fresh scent that wasn’t overpowering (which can sometimes happen when all your curl-routine products are fragrant).
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The rank bigotry of a neo-Nazi newsletter filters through folks like Sean’s parents and sister (a very funny Kate Berlant) — which is to say conservatives, but mostly amiable ones.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Thomas Jay Ryan was a funny, cranky Kramer, Will Brill a shrewd, amiable Fauci.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But this sweet, deep man deserves a fuller accounting.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Total decadence—sweet and savory with a little kick.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Good-natured.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-natured. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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