friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

1

: the state of being friends

They have a long-standing friendship.

2

: the quality or state of being friendly : friendliness

the friendship shown him by his coworkers

3

obsolete : aid

Synonyms of friendship

• generosity
• brotherhood
• amity
• cordiality
• goodwill
• friendliness
• neighborliness
• kindness
• good-fellowship
• benevolence
• fellowship
• kindliness
• community
• companionship

Examples of friendship in a Sentence

a friendship between two countries

They have enjoyed many years of friendship.

He was encouraged by the friendship his coworkers showed him.

Recent Examples on the Web

Seeing the friendship resonate with millions of strangers has been emotional, the pair says. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026

The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+. —Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026

Also among the night’s emotional high points was Ethan Hawke, who received the Career Achievement Award, presented by Mahershala Ali, and delivered a rousing speech recalling his early friendship with River Phoenix. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 4 Jan. 2026

Autocratic friendship has its limits. —Richard Fontaine, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing friendship

• betray someone's friendship

Kids Definition

friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

: the state of being friends