friendly

1 of 3

adjective

friend·​ly ˈfren(d)-lē 

friendlier; friendliest

1

: of, relating to, or befitting a friend: such as

a

: showing kindly interest and goodwill

friendly neighbors

b

: having or showing the feelings that friends have for each other

maintained a friendly correspondence

They are friendly with their neighbors. [=they are friends with their neighbors]

c

: not hostile

a friendly merger offer

d

: cheerful, comforting

the friendly glow of the fire

2

: serving a beneficial or helpful purpose

A friendly breeze finally drove the boat into harbor.

3

a

: easy to use or understand

friendly computer software

—often used in combination

a reader-friendly layout

b

: designed or intended to accommodate particular needs, users, etc.

—usually used in combination

a kid-friendly restaurant

… providing a more business-friendly and professional environment …

—Matt Miller

see also user-friendly

4

: causing or likely to cause minimal harm

environmentally friendly packaging [=packaging that does minimal damage to the environment]

—often used in combination

an eco-friendly vehicle

friendlily

ˈfren(d)-lə-lē 

adverb

friendly

2 of 3

adverb

: in a friendly manner : amicably

friendly

3 of 3

noun

plural friendlies

1

: one that is friendly

especially : a native who is friendly to settlers or invaders

2

chiefly British : a match between sports teams and especially international teams that has no connection with league or championship play

Synonyms of friendly

Adjective

• warm
• gracious

Choose the Right Synonym for friendly

amicable, neighborly, friendly mean exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism.

amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel.

maintained amicable relations

neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle.

neighborly concern

friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations.

sought friendly advice

Examples of friendly in a Sentence

Adjective

The local people are very friendly to visitors.

It was friendly of him to offer to help us.

His friendly smile was reassuring.

They maintained a friendly correspondence.

A friendly breeze helped us sail the boat into the harbor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In seeing their six-game winning streak halted just before hitting the friendly skies for a four-game road trip that tips off in Phoenix on Sunday, the Hornets (32-32) were victimized by Miami in the fourth quarter. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2026

Score decorative pillows by Sunbrella and Kelly Clarkson Home that resist moisture and fading, offering comfortable lounge accessories that add a pop of color—and when temperatures drop, there’s even an outdoor-friendly throw blanket. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026

Adverb

The Villarreal friendly offered a glimpse of both the potential and the challenge. —Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025

Lionel Messi in Las Vegas for an Inter Miami friendly shone a light on how sport is gravitating towards Nevada and the Strip. —Phil Hay, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

Noun

After starting 2026 with a pair of friendlies in California, the U.S. women’s national soccer team kicks up the competition, starting Sunday with the annual SheBelieves Cup. —Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026

The Loons were scheduled to play an international friendly against Werder Bremen later this season, but the top-tier German club pulled out of the exhibition last week, in part, due to safety concerns in traveling to Minnesota. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see friend entry 1

Adverb

see friend entry 1

Noun

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing friendly

• eco-friendly
• friendly fire
• friendly society
• on a friendly basis
• ozone-friendly
• user-friendly

Rhymes for friendly

• unfriendly

Kids Definition

friendly

1 of 2 adjective

friend·​ly ˈfren-dlē 

friendlier; friendliest

: of, relating to, or right for a friend: as

a

: showing kindly interest and goodwill

a friendly gesture

b

: not hostile

friendly neighbors

c

: helpful, favorable

a friendly breeze

d

: bringing comfort or cheer

the friendly glow of the fire

e

: accommodating, compatible

environmentally friendly packaging

—often used in combination

a kid-friendly restaurant

friendliness noun

friendly

2 of 2 noun

plural friendlies

: a person who is friendly or cooperative

Legal Definition

friendly

adjective

friend·​ly

: agreeable to those affected : not hostile

a friendly takeover