friendly 1 of 3

1
2
3
4
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

5

friendly

2 of 3

adverb

friendly

3 of 3

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
Still, Wix has many friendly design and functionality options. PC Magazine, 10 May 2025 Outside, life bustles with the familiar sounds of rickshaws and friendly neighborhood chatter. Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 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
  • And waters in the eastern subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean are warmer than normal for this time of year.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025
  • Clouds born of cosmic visitors Noctilucent clouds form when warm, moisture-rich air rises high into the atmosphere during the summer months, according to the stargazing site EarthSky.com.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The latter star has landed a number of hits throughout the past few years by repurposing melodies and interpolating hooks from older, familiar smashes by other artists, reworking them into something exciting and new for a different audience.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Image These Days by Lucy Caldwell London during the Blitz has become a familiar subject of World War II fiction.
    Alida Becker, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The state also has a high change in GDP (gross domestic product) which indicates a positive and booming economy.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • That could be because of physiological changes, improved physical mobility or increased positive social feedback, Keeler said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 3 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
  • The following are generally considered some of the least helpful foods for Crohn's disease.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 30 May 2025
  • This feature can be extremely helpful in extending insights use cases and getting stakeholders to embrace research as part of their business.
    Erin Tavgac, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Retailers, including intimates brand Bare Necessities, mattress maker Saatva and furniture retail Raymour & Flanigan, have used the tariff disruption as a way to encourage customers to buy now.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its three-stateroom design lets owners and guests can enjoy weekend cruising, while the exterior promotes gracious outdoor living in the large beach-club area, or up on the sport bridge.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
  • But Bill Fox fans are a kind of a tribe, and Hagan was as gracious as could be.
    Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
  • Numerous outlets have already reported on how close Barca is to landing breakout 2024/2025 La Liga star Joan Garcia from Espanyol, which could complicate Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future as Hansi Flick’s first choice goalkeeper.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on friendly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!