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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
The Republic of Ireland is undefeated in its last five meetings with the Magyars, the only issue being the last three of those were only friendlies. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025 The Villarreal friendly offered a glimpse of both the potential and the challenge. Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
And there are also a ton of other friendly, ethical, and decent hunters who are getting after it — just like you. Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025 The national soccer teams of Argentina and Venezuela enter their friendly match at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night in starkly contrasting situations. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The Farmers Almanac also predicts another easy travel week over in the Appalachians, which will see cold weather in the north and warm weather further south.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The raid, Jones says, also exposed familiar fault lines in labor and manufacturing.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Stop us if any of this sounds familiar.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • A number of positive changes are being made around the world, of course, as green alternatives like electric vehicles and solar panels become more widely adopted—and affordable.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
  • These connections have been known to have a positive health impact overall, but researchers at Cornell University focused on the long-term advantages for biological aging.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mister is by nature a friendly doggie who is always sweet and obliging when strangers want to pet him.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Since their arrival this week, members of the guard have spent much of their time posted near landmarks and standing next to armored vehicles, amiably obliging tourists who request selfies.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In response to a Star inquiry, the State Department confirmed Arrington’s role in obtaining the replica and described the former director as helpful and knowledgeable.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Turner is experienced, and a change could be helpful just for the sake of change.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The 45-year-old actress and singer posed in lingerie to announce the launch of her new line of intimates.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Founded in 2000, Spanx produces activewear, apparel, denim, shapewear, swimwear, intimates, leggings, hosiery, among other products.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The comments section quickly sided with the gracious host.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The influencer was gracious about her departure, though.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • What to Know For Dedication Night, a family member or close friend will join each celebrity for their dedication dance.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The Andromeda Galaxy The Andromeda Galaxy lies almost directly overhead in the hours surrounding midnight on October nights, presenting a perfect opportunity to observe the Milky Way's closest neighbor without the atmospheric interference that comes from being close to the horizon.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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