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
Hospitals are assessed based on factors like patient reviews, friendliness of staff, accreditation and even the quality of cafeteria food. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 The use of solar in data centers — which are notorious for their power and water consumption — points to a new side of the technology’s potential appeal: one centered on its relative cheapness rather than its friendliness to the environment. Saul Elbein, The Hill, 24 Feb. 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
Brazil stuttered in subsequent friendlies, were deeply unimpressive at the Copa America and have only shown fleeting signs of improvement since. Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Cheeky corner goal, Ronaldo Show rumbles on The humble international friendly has the jeopardy of a tea party and a little while ago, UEFA put it out to grass. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendliness
Adjective
  • The Clara IEMs have a warm bass, a forward midrange and a silky treble that’s just sharp enough to bring the soundstage into perfect focus without making the listener’s brain work overtime top descramble distortion.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • The room, once decorated in severe tones of black and gray, has received a warm makeover, with bright paint and tropical mosaics.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • The looks on display were all too familiar, making the joke even that much funnier for its sense of radical honesty.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
  • This is perhaps a good quality, as that is a familiar feeling when attending a large event.
    Matt Shaw, Forbes.com, 4 May 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
  • Several policymakers at the European Central Bank told CNBC last week that while the inflation path appeared positive — with tariffs potentially bringing inflation in the bloc down further — their broader outlook was now significantly more uncertain.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 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
  • Leaders who intend to be helpful may instead create dependency and hesitation.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • This unique blend ensures that communities not only receive factual, helpful insights but also remain captivated by dynamic and compelling storytelling.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The building itself includes 24-hour concierge service and features a gracious lobby with a residents’ lounge.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Throughout the conversation, maintain a gracious tone regardless of immediate outcomes.
    Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC, Forbes.com, 22 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
  • Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel clouds.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 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 13 May. 2025.

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