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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
Choose whole-grain flours and breads, skip the syrup, and add protein and fiber to make French toast or pancakes more diabetes-friendly. Sarah Bradley, Health, 13 May 2026 That's a budget-friendly win for the bank account. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 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 friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • State and federal taxes, seasonal demand and even more expensive fuel blends needed for warmer weather are all pieces of the pie.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • When the weather gets warm, nothing satisfies quite like cold noodles in iced broth.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • As the adrenaline levels rose on Monday and Tuesday, and the familiar choreography of another British political crisis began to play out—ministerial resignations, spiky statements on X—the collateral damage that Starmer had warned against started to encroach, once again, upon the scene.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Some are backing away from exclusionary discipline like suspensions and expulsions and have embraced schoolwide approaches that reward positive behavior and provide social skills practice through games and role-playing.
    Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • Still, analysts have been ratcheting higher expectations on certain names — suggesting positive momentum is on their side.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Rarely does another forward group make Colorado look slow, but Minnesota seemed to delight in obliging.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
  • The service Service is warm and obliging.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon in Aquarius moves through your 6th House and trines Venus in Gemini, making routines and helpful exchanges flow smoothly.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • While apps can sometimes be helpful for identifying very basic issues, many fail to accurately diagnose complex pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Juicy Couture started in 1997 as a casual lifestyle brand and spans women’s, girls, babies, handbags, shoes, intimates, swimwear and accessories and jewelry.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
  • That gift for elevating the intimate continued to evolve.
    New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Miss Manners suspects that many would be miffed — not only the mothers absent that day, but also (and perhaps especially) the non-parents who are gracious about concessions made to parents when their personal duties conflict with work.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
  • At the Gotham Bar, ask the team for Conrad, cheerful and gracious, who can suggest a martini for your mood.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Sources close to Canvot, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, have told The Athletic that the message from Glasner after that error was simple.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • López was one of the fiercest critics of then-Mayor Fúnez, a supporter of the mine and close ally of Honduras’ former president, Xiomara Castro.
    Marlon González, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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