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Definition of friendlynext
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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

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
Here’s some friendly advice for any soccer fan who is looking for a new way to experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup before knockout games begin next week. Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026 Social connection Walking your canine companion solo or attending a pet-friendly event as their plus one? Yvonne Villasenor, USA Today, 24 June 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 England’s recent friendly against Uruguay, Ben White was booed by fans in his first appearance for the national team since 2022. Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 With traces of the trap titans that paved the way, Kushington’s motivational raps filled his trapper-friendly The Streets Is Yours debut project, which arrived last March. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • This tank top maxi dress is a warm-weather staple.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • El Niño isn't just moving warm water around randomly in the ocean.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The source familiar with the 2024 fire probe said city inspectors now have questions following this new blaze about how the company handled the recovery from the last incident.
    Josh Boswell, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • This is familiar territory for the Panthers under president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • In some cases, like in Elk River, local utility companies are predicting positive impacts on utility rates thanks to data centers paying larger bills for services.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • That was the lone bit of positive news for the Royals (34-49) on Friday.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • On a fickle morning in Miami—the kind where patches of sunshine give way to intervals of torrential rain—Learner Tien has taken shelter deep inside Hard Rock Stadium, the obliging home of the Dolphins, a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and, at the moment, the Miami Open.
    Jake Nevins, Vogue, 25 June 2026
  • Only a young woman in a scarlet petticoat proves more obliging.
    John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Having a separate room to have this man handle his emotions may be helpful too.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • An abundance of hints, clues and other helpful items await, not to mention a bonus Custom Wordle and plenty more.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adverb
  • Eventually, young Jonah went to stay with his mother for a time on the south side of Stockton after Marcella and Jamon separated amicably.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 21 June 2026
  • Brad Lord — drafted and developed by the last regime — followed Alvarez amicably as late-round picks have tended to do for the Nationals these days.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Fruit of the Loom already has a reputation for creating comfortable intimates and this bra falls right in line, while also remaining basically invisible under clothing.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
  • Wilde’s character, who is a boundary-pushing artist and provocateur, pairs the intimates with a matching swipe of red lipstick, black liquid eyeliner, and a black leather belt and skirt.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • The axe came down swiftly and brutally, but, speaking candidly, Geoff Daniels, PBS’ Vice President, Programming & Development, was gracious about it, thanking the audience of mostly media industry people for their camaraderie.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 June 2026
  • The gracious — and perfectly acceptable — way is not to serve alcohol to anyone.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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