friendly 1 of 3

1
2
3
4
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

5

friendly

2 of 3

adverb

friendly

3 of 3

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
Their youth has put together an impressive run of international friendlies this summer, led by Miami’s Simone Fontecchio in wins over Latvia and Argentina. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025 The Villarreal friendly offered a glimpse of both the potential and the challenge. Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
The promenade is an integral part of the Quilt of Parks effort to improve parks and plazas downtown by adding new green spaces, plazas and gardens and connecting them in a pedestrian-friendly way, according to the city's website. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025 The beginner-friendly yarn is easy to manipulate and comes in seven bright colors. Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • Best Things to See and Do One of the highlights of the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is its access to hiking trails, so make sure to bring decent walking or hiking shoes and a warm layer or two.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Used a mulch, leaves keep soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Spooky season is officially in full swing and Nashville's nightlife scene is getting a haunted makeover with Halloween pop-up bars transforming familiar haunts into eerie, immersive experiences.
    Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025
  • For those who aren’t familiar, RedZone is the NFL broadcast that whisks viewers around the league to the best moments of every game on Sundays.
    Charlotte Wilder, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Always is going to get positive yards.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
  • In a positive sign, Nunoo was moving his hands and fingers, according to Sutton.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 5 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
  • The police weren’t helpful at all.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The ability to set up AI chatbots that represent a company’s ethos and tone is a game-changer, providing timely, helpful responses to customer queries.
    Derya Matras, Fortune, 4 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 flagship offers an expansive collection of wallcoverings, rugs, furniture, and more, and aims to capture the welcoming, gracious environment the brand is known for while signaling its evolution.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But these aren’t gods in oh-so-gracious robes or with armor or holding lightning bolts in their hands.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has previously suggested a deal was close.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The trainer visits Pegasus daily and is like the horse’s shadow during hospital visits, keeping a close eye to ensure the safety of Pegasus and those around him.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on friendly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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