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as in obliging
willing to do a favor a kid-friendly restaurant with high chairs and a special menu for small-fry appetites

Synonyms & Similar Words

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friendly

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adverb

friendly

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective friendly contrast with its synonyms?

The words amicable and neighborly are common synonyms of friendly. While all three words mean "exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism," friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations.

sought friendly advice

When can amicable be used instead of friendly?

Although the words amicable and friendly have much in common, amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel.

maintained amicable relations

In what contexts can neighborly take the place of friendly?

The words neighborly and friendly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle.

neighborly concern

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of friendly
Adjective
The couple, parents of two young children, felt something more family friendly fit their lives in 2022. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2022 Wednesday had a friendly-looking cloud and a few raindrops, and Thursday had a dark, threatening cloud with heavier drops. F. Martin Ralph, Scientific American, 19 Aug. 2022
Adverb
Yes, there are no international friendlies scheduled until the international friendly against the Korea Republic at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6. Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Gabriel has not played in any of Arsenal’s three friendlies in Asia after picking up an injury in training. James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Noun
The players — including new signing Noni Madueke — will report back to London Colney on Monday ahead of the friendly against Villarreal on August 6. James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025 That You?' Tears at What Golden Retriever Does Every Night for 'Long Lost Best Friend' Not all feedback was friendly, though. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • Why Portugal is having a moment Portugal’s blend of history, walkable cities, warm hospitality, and affordability is hitting the sweet spot for American travelers.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Legionnaires is a bacterial pneumonia, caused by the bacteria legionella, which grows in warm water.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Grounded in a strong sense of place, powerful performances speak volumes without excess dialogue in an atmosphere both familiar and uncanny.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Instead, the text-only logo uses a new typeface against the familiar gold background.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For an even more affordable option, this one from Amazon is under $50 and backed by positive customer reviews.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Young and the offense finished on a positive note, as Canales mentioned, with the QB connecting with Sanders in the end zone during a hurry-up period of 11-on-11 drills.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • To date, more than 11,000 TikTok users have commented on the post, with many voicing their comedic takes on the viral moment and the cat's obliging demeanor.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Related Articles Until now exhibitions culminated in Saint Laurent’s studio on the upper floor of the museum, obliging visitors to backtrack toward the exit.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • So, if the forecasts are not helpful, what does the data say about the Fed’s current policy stance?
    Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • These are particularly helpful when replacing lights or batteries on your vehicle or putting together complex furniture.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Doncic arrived at Dyckman at 8:11 p.m., making his grand entrance just after the first game ended, and didn’t leave until 90 minutes later — an eternity for a superstar in a setting this intimate.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 July 2025
  • In intimates, the fibers are sought after by renowned brands like Triumph for their even surface and gentle hand feel.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • In her first interview as a filmmaker, Renée Zellweger is as gracious as ever.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2025
  • And Phil and Chris were incredibly gracious throughout that process.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Read More: The Real Danger of the Trump-Putin Summit At the press conference, Putin talked about how close Russia was to America (shades of Sarah Palin) and claimed that Russian trade with American has increased by 20%.
    Richard Stengel, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Still, don’t fully count out the Cajuns — at least to keep it close.
    Maddie Hartley August 15, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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