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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
Saratoga Nights is a free, family-friendly community gathering in Saratoga Village scheduled on the first Thursday of every month. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 In partnership with Butterfly Pavilion, families can also explore interactive moments, educational displays and a kid-friendly scavenger hunt celebrating the magic of pollinators. Laura Daily, Denver Post, 3 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 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
  • All rooms, including mine on the sixth floor (639), were updated in 2017 by American designer Ed Tuttle in a warm neutral and gold palette.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • The 26-inch inseam keeps things cropped and cool, which is perfect for warmer spring destinations, and its natural fibers keep you comfortable in the heat.
    Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shange describes the Bacchanal as familiar and minimal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Sources familiar with the situation, granted anonymity like all those consulted for this article to protect relationships, acknowledged there was consternation at the top at his behaviour and wondered whether Glasner’s position was becoming untenable.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • One more win on Saturday would turn those party celebrations into something even more special and would only enhance those positive vibes around the club.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Her results came back as estrogen receptor-positive stage 2A breast cancer, meaning her cancer had estrogen receptors that would respond to hormone therapy drugs.
    Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps it could be argued that Freiburg were obliging opponents.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Rarely does another forward group make Colorado look slow, but Minnesota seemed to delight in obliging.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, relations with those who are closest to you are warm and helpful.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • Severe Pruning Pruning tomato plants can be helpful in promoting air flow and fruit production, but removing too many leaves at one time can cause the plant to protect its remaining leaves by curling them in response.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, sales at its intimates brand Aerie spiked during the quarter.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 28 May 2026
  • The three smaller top drawers are ideal for intimates, socks, and other small items, while the full-sized drawers hold bulkier pieces like denim and T-shirts.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Branham recalled how raucous the crowd was and how gracious Busch was interacting with fans.
    Zach Powell, New York Times, 23 May 2026
  • There’s an art to being a gracious guest.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • But these suites are also closest to the elevators, and the historic walls don’t adequately muffle the sounds of other guests.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Gertrud would keep the girls close, one on either side.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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