befriend

verb

be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
befriended; befriending; befriends
Synonyms of befriendnext

transitive verb

: to become or act as a friend to
befriended the new student

Examples of befriend in a Sentence

He befriended the new student.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Even the part about befriending a notorious pedophile? Ellise Shafer, Variety, 28 Mar. 2026 Even the bit about befriending a notorious paedophile? Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2026 Jamie befriends brothel pickpocket Fergus. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026 The original 1997 film follows Buddy, a runaway circus dog who befriends a boy named Josh and helps lead his school’s basketball team to a championship. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for befriend

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of befriend was in 1559

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Cite this Entry

“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befriend. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

befriend

verb
be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
: to become or act as a friend to

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