friendly

adjective

friend·ly | \ ˈfren(d)-lē

friendlier; friendliest

Definition of friendly

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

a : showing kindly interest and goodwill friendly neighbors

b : not hostile a friendly merger offer also : involving or coming from actions of one's own forces friendly fire

c : cheerful, comforting the friendly glow of the fire

2 : serving a beneficial or helpful purpose A friendly breeze finally drove the boat into harbor.

3a : 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 : not causing or likely to cause harm environmentally friendly packaging [=packaging that does not damage the environment] —often used in combination an eco-friendly vehicle

friendly

adverb

Definition of friendly (Entry 2 of 3)

: in a friendly manner : amicably

friendly

noun

plural friendlies

Definition of friendly (Entry 3 of 3)

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

Other Words from friendly Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about friendly

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Choose the Right Synonym for friendly

Adjective

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

View Sample Sign Up Now For now, the candidates largely remained friendly without taking jabs at one another and left little daylight between themselves on most issues. — Lissandra Villa / Cedar Rapids, Time, "19 Democratic Presidential Candidates Took the Stage Sunday. No One Stood Out," 11 June 2019 District of Columbia Washington: Logan Circle in northwest D.C. has been named one of the nation’s 28 friendliest neighborhoods, WUSA-TV reports. — USA TODAY, "High Line milestones, Iowa’s big stink, Muscle Beach makeover: News from around our 50 states," 11 June 2019 Bluetooth speaker For the dad who tends to listen to music (or podcasts, or the radio) while getting things done, a good home speaker like the Ikea Eneby 30 should make for a friendly companion around the house or in the garage. — Valentina Palladino And Jeff Dunn, Ars Technica, "Guidemaster: Ars picks 11 gifts you can get Dad for Father’s Day 2019," 11 June 2019 Start by talking with one of their friendly, knowledgeable bathroom designers, or fill out a quick online form to request a free, down-to-the-penny quote. — Stepfanie Romine, Cincinnati.com, "Remodel your bathroom — for less money, with less mess and in less time," 10 June 2019 Ernesto is just a normal, kind man who sees that Sean is hurting and lonely, and provides a friendly shoulder for him. — Randy Cordova, azcentral, "In 'Papi Chulo,' a lonely weatherman and a day laborer form a delightful friendship," 10 June 2019 Buffalo Joe’s Eatery and Saloon, in Dupuyer, has amazing burgers and a friendly eight-room motel around back. — The Editors, Outside Online, "The Best Road Trips in North America," 10 June 2019 In its final friendly before kicking off defense of its Concacaf Gold Cup title on June 18, the USA performed about as poorly as possible in the first half against Venezuela. — Brian Straus, SI.com, "Second Straight Dud Gives USMNT Cause for Concern Entering Gold Cup," 9 June 2019 PGA Tour officials often find friendly spots during the AT&T Pro-Am, given the presence of so many amateurs in the field. — Ron Kroichick, SFChronicle.com, "Pebble Beach’s 17th hole could torment players in this week’s U.S. Open," 9 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Saturday’s StubHub Center friendly between Manchester United and the Galaxy couldn’t come at a better time for the visitors — or at a worse time for the home team. — Kevin Baxter, latimes.com, "Galaxy's matchup vs. Manchester United comes at inopportune time," 14 July 2017 The defensive devices manufactured by Mace are user-friendly, priced reasonably, and set the industry standard for quality and innovation. — Janet H. Cho, cleveland.com, "Mace pepper sprays offer potent protection made in Cleveland (photos, video)," 28 May 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In a hypothetical season of 20 friendlies where each U.S. team went undefeated, a women's base salary is already over $30,000 less than her male counterpart. — Liz Clarke, Anchorage Daily News, "U.S. women’s soccer team is fighting two battles — for a World Cup title, and for equality," 11 June 2019 There are some games that very much feel like friendlies and there's rotations etc, but England versus Scotland was never that. — Aimee Lewis, CNN, "England v Scotland: Women's World Cup set to host one of the biggest rivalries in sport," 9 June 2019 Scotland comes in unbeaten in three consecutive friendlies against World Cup teams, including a 1-0 win over Brazil. — Kevin Baxter, latimes.com, "Women’s World Cup: Some polar opposites meet on Sunday," 8 June 2019 In a hypothetical season of 20 friendlies where each U.S. team went undefeated, a women's base salary is already over $30,000 less than her male counterpart. — Liz Clarke, courant.com, "USWNT fights for equal pay as it fights to defend World Cup title," 3 June 2019 Hinkle, a devout Christian, withdrew from the U.S. Women's National Team last June after U.S. Soccer announced that the squad would be wearing jerseys in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month during their friendlies. — Jamie Goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Coach, teammate come to Jaelene Hinkle's defense after she admits she withdrew from US Soccer team over LGBTQ pride jerseys," 31 May 2018 That includes the two international friendlies against Crystal Palace and Valencia. — Charlie Hatch, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati to celebrate 1 million fans in attendance through first 2.5 seasons," 14 July 2018 But a tough baptism awaits, with friendlies lined up against two teams heading to the World Cup: England on March 23 in Amsterdam, and Portugal three days later. — Jo Biddle-benoit Noel/afp, chicagotribune.com, "Koeman takes on tough job as latest Dutch national coach," 6 Feb. 2018 Just two losses in that hectic schedule of more than 25 matches (not including friendlies). — Cincinnati.com, "Enquirer soccer writers predict 2018 FIFA World Cup winner," 16 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'friendly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.