Synonym Chooser

How is the word good-natured distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of good-natured are amiable, complaisant, and obliging. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

Where would amiable be a reasonable alternative to good-natured?

The synonyms amiable and good-natured are sometimes interchangeable, but amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When could complaisant be used to replace good-natured?

The meanings of complaisant and good-natured largely overlap; however, complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

When can obliging be used instead of good-natured?

The words obliging and good-natured can be used in similar contexts, but obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

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 good-natured That living arrangement produces some friction and good-natured barbs, but Sybil, as played by Lavin, always leads with love and a generous spirit. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 After some good-natured interaction with the enthusiastic crowd, Cena eventually donned the mask. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 There’s a moment in FX’s Adults when Billie (Lucy Freyer), in an effort to win over an older boyfriend’s friends, joins in on their good-natured roasting of one of their own. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 Business leaders should consistently acknowledge their most talented, productive, and good-natured employees. Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • For some science, the discoveries will be limited by whatever the sky is gracious enough to give—a star must explode for the Rubin Observatory to spot a new supernova, for example.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
  • Miss Manners is certain that your heartfelt gratitude, in the form of a gracious and appreciative handwritten letter, will be thanks enough.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Quiet and largely seasonably pleasant weather will settle across the Kansas City area on Tuesday, giving the metro a break from the heat and storms of the past few days, according to the National Weather Service.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • The average temperature is a pleasant 56°F (13°C), with warm summers and cool winters.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • There are women in nice dresses and sunglasses shopping for groceries and clothing at a general store.
    JoAnn DeLuna, NPR, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Duke of Sussex sat and shared a friendly conversation with her and Jack at his last major royal event — King Charles' coronation in May 2023 — and Eugenie's amiable interaction with Nonoo seems to continue the trend of the cousins being on good terms.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • But keep an eye on their amiable cousin Aurora, because her fate this season might be far worse than Agnes'.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bailey flashed a sweet jumper and impressive athleticism but struggled with his shot selection and had more turnovers than assists.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • Chiles: Two of his favorites are ‘Flaming Flare’, a medium spicy Fresno variety, and ‘Carmen’, a high-performing sweet type.
    Johanna Silver, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Good-natured.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-natured. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on good-natured

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!