friendly 1 of 3

Definition of friendlynext
1
2
3
4
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

5

friendly

2 of 3

adverb

friendly

3 of 3

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
Hence, these materials provide a luxurious feel (Spiber’s bio-fiber was rated superior to cashmere) while also meeting the requirements of being light, strong, and environmentally friendly, which align with current trends in emissions and luxury. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026 Child-friendly features, from a travel crib to fireplace grates, will make your stay more comfortable; several separate bathrooms give everyone their own space; upscale amenities, like heated flooring and optional catering, make every day feel like a treat. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 28 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
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 Tuesday night, the teams will meet for the first of five annual friendlies designed to celebrate soccer culture in the region. Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • Writing a novel is a solitary experience but not writing one is even more so, without the occasional call from an editor or marketing person to keep me warm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • An hour in McIntyre’s company is a warm, convivial whirlwind of enthusiasm, jokes and anecdotes.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These films often took familiar genres or plot structures but then told those stories through a distinctly Korean lens.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The memoir turns instead into a broad and essentially familiar discourse about ambition as a route out of challenging family circumstances; the pursuit of conventional success leading to alienation; the frequent clash between career and parenthood.
    Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Plus, nearly all expect AI agents to deliver positive ROI by 2026.
    Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The region’s population grew by 244,000 in that period, marking four consecutive years of growth, and, notably, the Midwest posted positive net migration from other states for the first time this decade.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The response to the investigation was swift and largely obliging.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Watson, who’s been transparent about his approach to a contract year, is happily obliging.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For people with sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or contact allergies, gloves are not just helpful.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Genuine is the magic word here—everyone is smiling, but not in that forced, veering on creepy way—the team is just a naturally happy and helpful bunch.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Emily + Meritt is a 64-piece capsule that spans intimates, sleep, loungewear and accessories.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • This collection expands the TempSync line, following the successful 2025 launch of the intimates collection, which drove over $1 million in sales during its first six weeks.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Through gracious moves and quiet motion, his presence adds more drama to a simple image.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • My colleagues were more than gracious enough to take some time out of their day to taste-test copious amounts of chocolate.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In recent years, Rivkin has formed a close bond with Olga Smirnova, a clinical social worker who visits him weekly through a home-visit program run by Maimonides Medical Center.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Mémoires Colorées was born out of Patrick Frey’s (who currently helms Pierre Frey) close friendship with Belgian artist and paper sculptor Isabelle de Borchgrave.
    Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on friendly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!