just a friend

idiom

: a friend with whom one is not in a romantic relationship when one might possibly be
Sara and Joe say they are just friends.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Jess reaffirms that Justin is just a friend and kisses Diego. Martha Sorren, refinery29.com, 8 June 2020 So: Enjoy the company of this lovely friend, who is just a friend, and keep your heart, mind and calendar open just for you, including for the possibility of something/someone different. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2020 My dilemma is that one of our friends has become more than just a friend. Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 17 Nov. 2022 In the aftermath, Lowe became not just a friend to Jackson, but a confidant and therapist. Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, 14 Oct. 2022 People who knew Lori said Ennis wanted to be more than just a friend. CBS News, 24 Sep. 2022 But Rhaenyra could lose more than just a friend. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 Sep. 2022 Ramsey and Claire are now married, and Mike Oliver is no longer just a friend, and colleague, and inspiration. John Archibald | Jarchibald@al.com, al, 16 Aug. 2022 That was just a friend who knew her who put us in touch. Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'just a friend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near just a friend

Cite this Entry

“Just a friend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just%20a%20friend. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!