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befriend

verb

Definition of befriendnext
as in to friend
to become a friend to (someone) He befriended the new student.

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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 befriend Holmes invited documentarians to capture the Theranos founder’s last few days of freedom before going to prison (and eventually befriending Jen Shah/shunning Ghislaine Maxwell). — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026 In August 2021, Brown allegedly befriended a woman and her family and then disappeared with their 4-day-old baby in Fairfield, Alabama, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026 An author befriends a movie star and attempts to write a version of her story. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 In general, experts caution against trying to befriend a wild animal. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for befriend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befriend
  1. friend
  2. join
Verb
  • But this time Williams’ violence took the life of a boy who friends and family described as compassionate, shy, and kind.
    — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The discourse started to boil when the Duchess of Sussex declared to friend Mindy Kaling that her last name is now Sussex in season 1 of Netflix’s With Love, Meghan, which premiered in March 2025.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
Definition of friend
Verb
  • Another day, another instance of Vicki saying something insane about a woman whose only crime was joining her show.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In an effort to spread the word for the need for this bill, Rappaport has organized Connecticut joining the inaugural walk and peaceful rally for Long Term Care Reform.
    — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of join

Browse Nearby Words

befouls
befriend
befriended
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befriend. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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