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

The Flintstones actress has spoken about their unconventional friendship in the past, admitting that despite the annual tradition, the two aren’t very close. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

Both have been associated with Epstein, but both have since disowned those friendships. —CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025

In the novel, Joan Goodwin, a physics professor with a lifelong love of the stars, seizes the chance to join NASA’s first class of women astronauts and soon finds friendship, passion, and purpose among her fellow trainees. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025

Friend went viral earlier this year for plastering the New York City subway with more than 10,000 posters promoting the virtues of human-AI friendship. —Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 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