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

• 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

Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift both dated Jonas Brothers at the same time, but the real love story was the two women’s friendship that emerged from those romances. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025

Also, the female-heavy production team added a keen sense of understanding of female friendships and family relationships, which brought truth to the outlandish premise. —Katie Grant, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025

Definitely always been a fan of Steven, kind of growing on the friendship with Steven. —Dory Jackson, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Mother/daughter relationships can be challenging to navigate during adolescence; feeling ostracized is something many viewers globally have undoubtedly experienced and the ebbs and flows of friendships indeed continue throughout our lives. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Aug. 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