good-natured

adjective

good-na·​tured ˈgu̇d-ˈnā-chərd 

: of a pleasant and cooperative disposition

good-naturedly adverb

good-naturedness noun

Synonyms

• affable
• agreeable
• amiable
• genial
• good-tempered
• gracious
• mellow
• nice
• pleasant
• sweet
• well-disposed

Choose the Right Synonym for good-natured

amiable, good-natured, obliging, complaisant mean having the desire or disposition to please.

amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

Examples of good-natured in a Sentence

the guests at the party were a good-natured bunch

Recent Examples on the Web

While his signature full head of hair sprung back to life after several washings, Swanson expects some residual good-natured ribbing from his Cubs teammates, as the first-place club looks to turn 2025 into its own potentially memorable winning campaign. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025

Filmmaker, actor, writer and good-natured provocateur John Waters turned 79 this week. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025

Like the 81-year old nun, humor and good-natured ribbing characterized the evening festivities. —Candace Oehler, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

The rigid grid contrasts with the soft seat for a gallery-worthy visual contradiction that will elevate your space—and likely spark some good-natured debate over its polarizing merits. —Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for good-natured

• denatured
• natured

Kids Definition

good-natured

adjective

good-na·​tured

ˈgu̇d-ˈnā-chərd

: of a pleasant cheerful disposition

good-naturedly adverb

good-naturedness noun