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

Her search leads her across the country and back to the long-ago summer that shaped the lives of the teenagers in the painting, revealing how art, friendship, and unlikely hope can change everything. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026

The other traces a friendship between two middle-aged, male coworkers, both of whom are exploring infidelity—one by having an affair with the other’s wife. —Judy Berman, Time, 26 Feb. 2026

Alongside her note, Gellar shared a series of snapshots of her and Trachtenberg taken throughout their decades-long friendship. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026

Though Charley assures her that their friendship is fine, Salley says that their friendship is not fine and that she’s being lied to. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Feb. 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