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

Just a few days later, Navratilova spoke by phone about the film, the friendship and their cancer battles. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Colored by a palpable sense of filmmaker and subject building a friendship and a professional understanding in real time, this documentary’s intimacy feels hard-won, and entirely genuine. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 6 July 2026

Clear, recent photos and an honest description of what someone hopes to find, whether friendship, companionship, or romance, can help create more meaningful connections. — Matthew Kayser updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Rob Caldwell, former vice president of communications at Badgley Mischka (who is now director of public relations and production at Lilly Pulitzer), developed a close friendship with Queen and credits her with making his career. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 July 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