friendliness 1 of 4

friendly

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adjective

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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 (2)

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 friendliness
Noun
Aqueous Na-ion and Zn-ion batteries stand out for their safety, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness due to abundant materials and water-based electrolytes. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Jan. 2025 Because of this—and because of its user-friendliness and accessibility—AI will continue to shape all industries. Fahad Qadir, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Her willpower wobbling, the 37-year-old nurse and mother of three pushed her shopping cart forward, giving the friendly salesman a wide berth. Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 Adopted in 2020, the Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities created a classification system for business and investors to know what activities are considered green or climate friendly. Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 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
His last unofficial game for the club was their next friendly against Chelsea. Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Double-header friendlies against Brazil, China and the Republic of Ireland, and a one-off against Canada, will provide another 630 minutes to study. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendliness
Adjective
  • While the white oak shelves and tin ceiling create a beautiful space, my staff and I have worked hard to cultivate a warm and inviting environment for everyone.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In warmer states, cicadas usually come out in late April or May.
    Taylor Johnston, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Kaye’s version, if the full title isn’t clear enough, has a familiar outline: First-gen immigrants become parents in the West, hoping their sacrifices will be rewarded with a doctor or lawyer child; child goes another way; conflict ensues.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The crossings also have to be familiar words all the way across those entries.
    Deb Amlen, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The numbers paint a generally positive outlook that, according to these forecasters, should allow the nation to narrowly dodge a slump.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Few could imagine what might upend the positive narrative, but maybe that was not even necessary.
    Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The obliging royalty would lift their hems and give the crowd a glimpse of their sneakers and cowboy boots.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • It was perfectly weighted for an obliging Diaz, who gratefully tapped it in from just outside the six-yard box.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While many are helpful for blocking ads, finding the best deals or checking grammar errors, some can end up doing more harm than good.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • For this reason, vocal opposition from influential Republican voices on space policy comes at a helpful time.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The draft will be held in Green Bay, and the NFL always brings in collegians who figure to be taken high, so Commissioner Roger Goodell can be the gracious host and hug them after they’re picked.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Rose was gracious as ever after his second straight time finishing second in a major, having lost out at Royal Troon last summer.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Melania Trump wears black veil to Pope Francis' funeral as President Trump dons blue suit As the president's second term in office passes the 100-day mark, here is a closer look at the first lady's lookbook.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • His close alignment with Trump has damaged his tech company brands, and despite being one of the most proactive members of the president's team, his job approval rating has been ranked as even lower than Trump's.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Weekly, relative strength and seasonality are both favorable.
    Bill Sarubbi, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Katz sees the possibility for additional P/E multiple expansion, driven by robust/more consistent management execution, favorable organic growth dynamics, notable operating leverage, and rapid improvement in balance sheet flexibility.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Friendliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendliness. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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