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

And so begins a beautiful friendship, one that might save both their planets. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026

In the spirit of reforging their friendship, Mikayla is both wearing and posting vote-for-Whitney T-shirts backstage at Dancing With the Stars. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

The eight-parter is the origin story of the titular detective, played by Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and takes in the friendship between Holmes and nemesis-in-waiting James Moriarty, played by Dónal Finn. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026

The two-story center is designed to build connections, friendships, and job skills. —Sharon Chin, CBS News, 12 Mar. 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