friendly

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

Synonyms of friendly

• 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

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

Their internet audience loved the DIY-friendly nature of the build. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026

Janet shares a lot of scenes with different characters, like Robbie (Morris), Lonnie (Abraham Popoola) or even Frankie (Cary Christopher), the little boy who’s friendly with Ben. —Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

Monroe recognizes five zones for evacuation Four emergency shelters for Category 1 and 2 hurricanes — pet-friendly Key West High School, Sugarloaf School, Marathon High School and Coral Shores High School — will open in the Keys. —Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026

No alcohol is served at the games, keeping in line with the family-friendly atmosphere. —James Burky, Denver Post, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, 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