as in friendship
kindly concern, interest, or support
the family was overwhelmed by the friendliness of the welcoming committee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in warm
having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest
all of the people in my new department seem friendly as a friendly gesture, we presented our new neighbors with a plate of homemade cookies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in close
closely acquainted
we're friendly with our neighbors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in positive
expressing approval
a friendly sign that our pet project would be approved
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in helpful
promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being
the state's attitude towards commercial development is widely regarded as friendly to the business community
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in friendlily
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in familiar
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of friendly
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
Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Gabriel has not played in any of Arsenal’s three friendlies in Asia after picking up an injury in training.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
For cities, readers were asked to rate sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 8 July 2025
James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
That You?' Tears at What Golden Retriever Does Every Night for 'Long Lost Best Friend'
Not all feedback was friendly, though.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for friendly
Noun
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
Adjective
Yes, there are no international friendlies scheduled until the international friendly against the Korea Republic at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6.
—Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Gabriel has not played in any of Arsenal’s three friendlies in Asia after picking up an injury in training.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Adverb
The group talked about what kept them in or brought them to Sandusky: family, the low cost of living, small-town friendliness.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
For cities, readers were asked to rate sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
The players — including new signing Noni Madueke — will report back to London Colney on Monday ahead of the friendly against Villarreal on August 6.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
That You?' Tears at What Golden Retriever Does Every Night for 'Long Lost Best Friend'
Not all feedback was friendly, though.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
-
Use gentle, fragrance-free soap and warm water to clean the tattoo twice per day.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Aug. 2025
-
With this warmer water, however, keep an eye on clarity.—
Anthony A. Ciuffa,
Outdoor Life,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
As the new general manager of the Farmington Civic Theater, Clare Cooney plans to add some indie films to the historic Farmington landmark’s familiar mix of tentpole movies and family favorites, writes Julie Hinds.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
9 Aug. 2025
-
This week, Wallen pulls off a relatively rare feat, as a remix of one of his album’s cuts opens high — though it is blocked from the throne by a familiar rival: himself.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
For an even more affordable option, this one from Amazon is under $50 and backed by positive customer reviews.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Young and the offense finished on a positive note, as Canales mentioned, with the QB connecting with Sanders in the end zone during a hurry-up period of 11-on-11 drills.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 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
-
Earlier this year, an update made the model too agreeable, sometimes saying what sounded nice instead of what was actually helpful.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Bats are mostly helpful, rarely harmful and play a vital role in the ecosystem.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
-
While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Read More: The Real Danger of the Trump-Putin Summit At the press conference, Putin talked about how close Russia was to America (shades of Sarah Palin) and claimed that Russian trade with American has increased by 20%.—
Richard Stengel,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Still, don’t fully count out the Cajuns — at least to keep it close.—
Maddie Hartley
August 15,
Kansas City Star,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The maintenance of a favorable risk-reward ratio over a shorter timeframe of 5 years is promising for retirement accounts – mitigating the risk of liquidation (if necessary) during adverse drawdown scenarios.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
And, the team and league are struggling to secure a favorable media rights deal for the club.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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