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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
During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025 Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating. Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Adverb
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 Midtown offices offers an excellent view — especially of the giant purple robot and friendly-looking hot dog that are waving from behind skyscrapers. Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 28 July 2022
Noun
Clubs from Europe, South America, the Middle East, and places in between and beyond have turned to the U.S. for fans, friendlies, and match broadcasts. Lee Igel, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Before that game, the team had lost its last friendly in April against Brazil, marking two losses in a three-game stretch. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • In Alaska, warm and dry conditions coupled with frequent thunderstorms and lightning have resulted in more than 100 fires since Wednesday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • Concrete and asphalt radiate heat absorbed during the day, making urban areas typically several degrees warmer than rural areas, the weather service said.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the No. 4-seed Fort Lauderdale United FC will face a familiar foe: the Tampa Bay Sun FC.
    Kaitlyn Pohly, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
  • Those travels led him to familiar favorites in his old San Francisco stomping grounds, reliable stalwarts that define our wide-ranging regions, and a spate of new openings quickly earning nationwide accolades.
    Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Apart from some injury disruptions, the loan spell felt like a positive one.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • The catalysts of positive social change will be those who master hybrid intelligence—HI—the dynamic interplay between natural intelligence – NI – and artificial intelligence – AI.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • To date, more than 11,000 TikTok users have commented on the post, with many voicing their comedic takes on the viral moment and the cat's obliging demeanor.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Related Articles Until now exhibitions culminated in Saint Laurent’s studio on the upper floor of the museum, obliging visitors to backtrack toward the exit.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Anxiety can hinder so much of everyday life, but there are many helpful and safe ways to cope.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 23 June 2025
  • Research shows that legumes also provide various helpful compounds, such as peptides, polyphenols, and saponins.10 These compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • But make no mistake, the dozens, too, is a performance of the intimate.
    Hanif Abdurraqib June 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
  • Having spent years growing global brand revenue across fast-growing start-ups and a few U.S. Fortune 500 companies at leading advertising firms, Cherubini joined the premium intimates label with a vast knowledge for executing strong consumer-centric strategies.
    Alexandra Pastore, Footwear News, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • To their credit, the Heat have been gracious in their credit to the Panthers.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • The food was unfussy and full-flavored, the service gracious, and the staff — from the spa therapists to the bakers — seemed genuinely happy to be here.
    Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the women became her close friends, and one became a longtime girlfriend.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • Atletico Madrid are keeping close tabs on Andy Robertson.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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