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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
The company officially launched last week with funding from the Elon Musk–friendly contingent of Silicon Valley, including the venture groups Andreessen Horowitz and Human Capital. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 Located at the edge of the Rio Grande National Forest in a dark sky zone, the whimsical stay also has a shower located in the greenhouse and friendly donkeys that live on the property. Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 10 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
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 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 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • Set the scene Starting with wrap-around windows in the hotel lobby that frame the outside hustle and bustle, everywhere from the lounge to the elevators and suites have a warm, art-forward, and fresh vibe.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
  • Pour the lot into a blender, add ice, and your Moscow mule becomes even more of a warm-weather lounge-fellow.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • She is expected to appear Monday through Wednesday of next week, according to two people familiar with the matter.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 11 June 2026
  • The research is clear that a familiar, gentle fragrance can slow breathing, soften stress and turn a room into a memory.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Name three positive and three negative qualities someone else would ascribe to you.
    Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • This operation was a great example of how strong partnerships, coordinated resources, traditional search and rescue techniques, and emerging technologies can all work together to achieve a positive outcome.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The obliging photographer was Ringo Starr.
    Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
  • In his ever-obliging character, my dad, Patrick Baskette, gladly divulged which presents any father would love to unwrap.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Showing conclusively that any given meteoroid comes from interstellar space is a notoriously difficult task, but having more cameras on the sky to boost the odds for good trajectory and velocity measurements would be extremely helpful.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 12 June 2026
  • The helpful fan kept the poster owner, and the Facebook group, up to speed.
    Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Adverb
  • The decision was made amicably and with mutual respect toward one another.
    Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 28 May 2026
  • Former Soundgarden member Cameron exited Pearl Jam amicably in July 2025 after a 27-year-run.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 21 May 2026
Noun
  • Washing intimates in cold water on the delicate cycle keeps the fibers from losing their stretch.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, sales at its intimates brand Aerie spiked during the quarter.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Cultural values such as achieving harmony between cultures; and slow, gracious [economic] growth.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 June 2026
  • Even in old age, Pinkie remained a gracious host.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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