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 The role of Theo was drawn intentionally under the direction of Dr. Bill Cosby, who wanted his young Black TV son to be kind, good-natured, thoughtful, upstanding. Sheletta Brundidge, Twin Cities, 25 July 2025 Advertisement Warner, through Theo, became the relatable, accessible, fun, stylish (with the exception of the Gordon Gartrell catastrophe), good-natured older brother/cousin/friend that a teenager of the 1980s could hope to be or befriend. Mychal Denzel Smith, Time, 22 July 2025 Refusing to take himself too seriously, Lovett entertained with good-natured silliness and sly irreverence. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 Collins will play Louis, White Sun’s good-natured and levelheaded cousin. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
  • While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Many people find coriander seeds to have a pleasant, almost sweet taste.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Think wild strawberries and mineral lift with just enough texture to add a pleasant element of complexity, something not often found in entry-level rosé.
    Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Viewing records make for nice headlines but wider distribution also mean big business.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • British puppeteer Rod Hull arrives on set with his ersatz bird that promptly snaps at Carson while playing nice with Richard Pryor on the Tonight Show couch.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to amiable year-round weather apart from the heat, some choose to live part-time (or full-time) on their boats.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2025
  • That would be Britain Covey, an amiable, 5-foot-8 wide receiver and punt returner who’s so diminutive that he’s been denied entry into players’ parking lots in the past and recently was mistaken for a member of the Rams’ front office.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fresh bakery items, quick on-the-go snacks, self-serve coffee and sweet tea, and even a bottle of wine to take home to celebrate the start of the weekend with your roommates are all available at your fingertips.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The latest additions to the Dolly Parton x Lodge line include four new cast-iron skillets plus darling bakeware to give your homemade sweet treats a touch of her incomparable charm.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Good-natured.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-natured. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on good-natured

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