1
as in buddy
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 & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proponent
a person who actively supports or favors a cause
hopes that the new governor will be a friend to environmental causes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to befriend
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of friend
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Passover gifts for Jewish friends If you're invited to a Passover Seder or just want to give something to a Jewish friend to celebrate the holiday, websites like the Kitchn and Gift Kosher have plenty of suggestions.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Might friend Taylor Swift be on hand to introduce one of her musical performances?
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for friend
Noun
Both Athie, who plays the best friend role with a charming innocence and reserve, and a fiery Haim who holds nothing back and proves Licorice Pizza was no fluke, are superb in support.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Passover gifts for Jewish friends If you're invited to a Passover Seder or just want to give something to a Jewish friend to celebrate the holiday, websites like the Kitchn and Gift Kosher have plenty of suggestions.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
What’s the difference, for you, between doing that with Black women friends your own age, versus someone who’s old enough to be a mother?
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Might friend Taylor Swift be on hand to introduce one of her musical performances?
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for friend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friend
Noun
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The sheer force of gravity as the rocket climbs toward space keeps the astronauts, and their zero G buddy, in their seats the first eight minutes post-liftoff.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Took the leap, moved to Norwood with two of the guys and my buddy Ben, and loved it.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While proponents say changes have made streets safer, critics suspect projects that reduce space for cars will only make traffic congestion worse — even after the construction disruptions end.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
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But the firm’s been arguably the leading proponent in America for making owners of the rank-in-file.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The agency hoped that Chalker and his wife would befriend the diplomat’s entire family.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Even the part about befriending a notorious pedophile?—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Randolph’s wife and daughter were in the courtroom gallery throughout the trial with other relatives and the sergeant’s former colleagues.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
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As my colleague Sam McDowell deftly summed up last week, Royals outfielders combined in 2025 to finish last in on-base percentage, 29th in OPS (on-base plus slugging), 29th in home runs and 30th in runs.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Both Turkish fans described a warm welcome from Kosovo supporters in the capital city.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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Our financial supporters are not involved in any decisions about our journalism.—
Annalisa Merelli,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Hurley tempered his act this season, after his wife, Andrea, and confidants Billy Donovan, Geno Auriemma and Seth Greenberg jumped him last year.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Simpson, Elle, and Smart Young show how leaning on community—friends, family, elders, and trusted confidants—can transform what feels like a heavy, lonely responsibility into an act of care and protection.—
Essence,
Essence,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And these unlikely advocates are determined to use their voices for good.—
Lauren Clark,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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The underlying facts of the case are still to be ruled on, but the partial ruling on Friday was a big win for immigration advocates who had been fighting to shut down the controversial site.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This distinction was missing both from popular discourse, the academics felt, and from an influential definition of antisemitism associated with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which lists numerous examples of antisemitism related to criticism of Israel.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Berseth did not respond to a phone message or to an email or letter sent to addresses apparently associated with her.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Friend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friend. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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