Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

friend

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of friend

1 a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another
  • really close friends who like to do everything together and are always sharing secrets
Synonyms of friend

alter ego, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, comrade, confidant, confidante, crony, familiar, intimate, pal
Words Related to friend

acquaintance

associate, cohort, colleague, companion, fellow, hearty, hobnobber, partner, peer, sport

blood brother, brother, main man, sister

abettor (also abetter), accomplice, ally, collaborator, confederate

pen pal

benefactor, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher

friendly
Near Antonyms of friend

adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival

archenemy, nemesis
Antonyms of friend

enemy, foe
2 a person who actively supports or favors a cause
  • hopes that the new governor will be a friend to environmental causes
Synonyms of friend

advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, espouser, exponent, expounder, herald, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter
Words Related to friend

loyalist, partisan (also partizan), stalwart

adherent, cohort, disciple, follower

interpreter

applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler
Near Antonyms of friend

enemy, foe, rival

belittler, critic, faultfinder
Antonyms of friend

adversary, antagonist, opponent

Learn More about friend

  1. See words that rhyme with friend Dictionary: Definition of friend Spanish Central: Translation of friend Nglish: Translation of friend for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of friend for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up friend? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games