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

• amity
• benevolence
• brotherhood
• charity
• cordiality
• cordialness
• fellowship
• friendliness
• gemütlichkeit
• good-fellowship
• goodwill
• kindliness
• neighborliness

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

Make your friendships more romantic and your romances more friendly, Aries. —Colin Bedell, Them., 2 May 2025

To be honest, this movie is a bit too treacly for my taste, but the four main actresses’ enduring friendship warms my millennial heart. —Lizzie Logan, Vulture, 2 May 2025

The pair, both living on the fringes of society in their Connecticut town, form an unexpected friendship that leads the teen on a journey of self-discovery. —Shannon Carlin, Time, 1 May 2025

The kind that shapes not only his lyrics and melodies, but also his friendships, his fatherhood, his vision. —Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 1 May 2025

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