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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 New York Times’ daily poll approval average is 43 percent, while RealClearPolitics, which usually trends more Trump-friendly, shows a 44 percent job approval. Myra Adams, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026 Apple Juice Whole apples are a healthy snack, but juicing removes most of the fiber that makes apples blood-sugar-friendly. Health, 9 Jan. 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
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 Argentina will also face Venezuela in another friendly this Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, allowing the team to stay local the following week. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • What better month to hunker down, swathed in a cozy sweater, with a warm drink and a good book in hand, than January?
    Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Frisbee recounts feeling bathed in warm light and then having had a vision of himself leading thousands of hippies into the Pacific Ocean to be baptized.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The knit top offered the familiar ease of an oversized tee with the warmth and polish of a sweater, a mix that feels both cozy and refined.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Experts say some familiar nutrition advice remains, but the changes may raise questions and confusion.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The agreement could indicate that Apple continues to struggle with developing a competitive, in-house AI model, but the news is being viewed by Wall Street as a positive sign for the iPhone maker.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • With the judicial branch intact and an alternative to MAGA showing early signs of growth inside the Republican Party, 2026 and the years that follow offer the chance for profound and positive change.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After obliging, the rapper started to riff by adding some new insults.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 22 Dec. 2025
  • To such a request, the world is obliging.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • However, bottom watering may be especially helpful when trying to fully rehydrate very dry potting soil.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026
  • ChatGPT may be a helpful tool to answer questions about complex subjects, but users should verify the accuracy of that information before submitting it to the California labor board.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Sportswear is hitting the stores now, with intimates and sleepwear heading toward brick-and-mortar in March; all styles will continually drop online.
    Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Beyond denim, Abercrombie is known for its range of basics, as well as its lounge, active, and intimates label, Aerie.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Cazenave, pathways that feel effortless with furniture not hugging the walls help the room feel immediately more gracious.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026
  • And the sole creator of this life is my gracious friend, the savior who leads me to a new religion, a religion that brings forth a second, new life from deep within me—a life that knows not death!
    Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Traffic concerns remained a prominent theme of the more than 100 emails the city received in early December, but many people expressed excitement at the prospect of a closer Costco.
    Rose Evans January 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Clippers raced to a 14-5 lead, but the Knicks answered with eight straight points and the game was close for the first three quarters.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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