friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

1

: the state of being friends

They have a long-standing friendship.

2

: the quality or state of being friendly : friendliness

the friendship shown him by his coworkers

3

obsolete : aid

Synonyms of friendship

• generosity
• brotherhood
• amity
• cordiality
• goodwill
• friendliness
• neighborliness
• kindness
• good-fellowship
• benevolence
• fellowship
• kindliness
• community
• companionship

Examples of friendship in a Sentence

a friendship between two countries

They have enjoyed many years of friendship.

He was encouraged by the friendship his coworkers showed him.

Recent Examples on the Web

In his friendships, Mandell imposed a restraint that made possible the free flow of emotional generosity. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Kate Johnson’s friendship with EY global chair and CEO Janet Truncale began when the Lumen Technologies CEO spotted Truncale eating breakfast alone at a Business Roundtable event a few years ago. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

Clients are often just clients, and sometimes those professional relationships develop into casual friendships. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

To face these new challenges, Astrid and Raphaëlle are forced to completely reinvent their relationship, potentially threatening their precious friendship. — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing friendship

• betray someone's friendship

Kids Definition

friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

: the state of being friends