friendliness 1 of 4

Definition of friendlinessnext

friendly

2 of 4

adjective

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2
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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

3 of 4

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

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

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
Beginner-friendliness is where the S1 shines, as Skyrover managed to outfit this ultra-light drone with a decent set of safety features without gutting everything else. New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2026 Washington state already ranks a dismal 45th out of the 50 states in tax friendliness because of a heavy burden of sales, capital gains, property and excise taxes. Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
While its work was written, produced and performed largely by young Blacks from Detroit’s inner city, Gordy and Motown were intent on creating music for everyone, taking the earthy sounds of post-doo-wop R&B, giving them a melodic, commercial-friendly sheen and marketing them to the masses. Brian McCollum, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 In addition to the larger venues, Second Star Club includes an adult-only pool, a family-friendly pool, a playground, and sports courts. Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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
Noun
During a 1965 friendly between Brazil and Belgium, Ferreira took a photograph of Pelé performing a bicycle kick attempt. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Mar. 2026 As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Mexico will host Uruguay on Sunday at Estadio Corona in an international friendly. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendliness
Adjective
  • During the chaos, community members like local restaurant owner Ron Grady stepped up to offer warm shelter and food to those who were stranded in the cold due to the massive multi-vehicle crash.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Thursday will be warm, dry and breezy in the Twin Cities, while other parts of Minnesota will face extreme fire risk.
    Joseph Dames, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Its path to passage has teetered all week in a familiar fight, as lawmakers weigh civil liberties concerns against intelligence officials' warnings about national security risks.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Its path to passage has teetered all week in a familiar fight, as lawmakers weigh civil liberties concerns against intelligence officials’ warnings about national security risks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The league’s survival won’t be on the line, but the club’s relevance in the Denver market — arguably the country’s most successful right now — very much could ride on a positive result on Saturday.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
  • With more than 178,000 positive reviews, the PT3 Non-Touch Thermometer makes temperature checks quick and comfortable, especially for kids.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Only West Ham United (8.5), Wolves (7.8), Newcastle United (7.6) and Manchester United (4.6) have been more obliging to their opponents than Leeds.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
  • In civil aerospace, for example, Rolls is benefiting as manufacturers Airbus and Boeing struggle to deliver new aircraft at the pace the market requires — obliging airlines to keep flying old planes (and their engines) for longer.
    Ian King, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Sharing a small update or win can open the door to a helpful exchange.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Without this context, stories are more akin to ad copy for a seemingly noble cause than neutral, helpful reporting.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Bruce Childress, Maydan Market’s director of restaurants, will swoop in with gracious suggestions across price points and tastes preferences.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Servers are warm and gracious, while bartenders like The Cove’s Mario will learn cocktail preferences in no time and offer suggestions based on mood and palate.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After entering the game tied at 3 in the ninth, Mets closer Devin Williams allowed two runs in a disastrous final frame to fall to the Twins 5-3 and record their 12th loss in a row, their longest streak since 2002.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Two Southwest Airlines jets got dangerously close near Nashville on Saturday, triggering collision alarms.
    Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Depending on their state, residents can avoid state-level taxes by creating trusts in states with favorable trust income laws like Delaware.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The Wolverines are trending toward a favorable top seed in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, which will consist of a new 16-team format highlighted by pool play instead of a traditional single-game elimination.
    Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Friendliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendliness. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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