BEFRIENDS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

befriends

verb

present tense third-person singular of befriend

as in joins

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 befriends An author befriends a movie star and attempts to write a version of her story. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Set in 1964 and based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a young journalist who tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in New York and befriends the suspect’s charming wife. — John Hopewell, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 The Housewife, directed by Ben Shirinian and written by Alyssa Hill, is based on a true story and set in 1964, when a young journalist who tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in New York and befriends the suspect’s charming wife. — Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 Upper-class Samantha befriends poor Nelly and changes her snobby grandmother’s opinion on Irish immigration. — Tara Strauch, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Bruce Willis stars as a child psychologist who befriends a young boy (Haley Joel Osment) with an unusual ability. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 In the midst of it, Etna befriends a small, eager canine, Semeru, who knows Soojin and helps Etna reunite with her. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Gu-cheon, who lacks Yang, is fearful of ggeomeoksali, but accidentally befriends one during his time in the palace. — Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 2026 Yet, in a surprising departure from the real-life Caroline’s historical hatred of Native Americans, this version of the character ultimately befriends White Sun and teaches Good Eagle. — Max Gao, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for befriends

joins

Verb

The bold prediction here is Maye joins that elite club with an MVP season.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Foremost among those special people is edge rusher Myles Garrett, who joins with Donald in giving the unit two future Hall of Famers.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026