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

: 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.

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

: 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

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

Adjective

• amicable
• bonhomous
• buddy-buddy
• chummy
• collegial
• companionable
• comradely
• cordial
• genial
• hail-fellow
• hail-fellow-well-met
• hearty
• matey [chiefly British]
• neighborly
• palsy
• palsy-walsy [slang]
• warm
• warmhearted

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

During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025

Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025

Adverb

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

Weighing only 2 pounds, the tabletop grill is small space and camping-friendly—made for balconies, camping, and patios. —Gabriela Izquierdo, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2023

Noun

While she was invited to camp for the Brazil friendlies, the Orlando Pride center-back last earned a cap when the U.S. played Australia at the SheBelieves Cup on Feb. 23. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 20 May 2025

By and large, Americans call them allies or at the least friendlies, Great Britain, France, Germany, et cetera. —CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025

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
• friendly with
• 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