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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
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
  • 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
  • In mid-January, as Iran crushed wide-scale protests with the mass killing of demonstrators, Israel prepared a covert mission along the Azerbaijan-Iran border, two of the sources familiar with the plans told CNN.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • Broadcom is backstopping payments on the largest portions of the transaction, people familiar with the matter have said.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 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
  • 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
  • Ask the gracious waitstaff for their recommendation—they’ll never steer you wrong.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Sanremo news The Royal Hotel Sanremo, a gracious five-star Belle Epoque landmark, is one of the Riviera’s best-value luxury offerings.
    Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Villegas was projected as the second candidate to advance on Tuesday, a week after the election, after a close contest.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 June 2026
  • There is still just something about being part of the mood of the whole nation, and being up that close to see it, that is really cool.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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