Definition of good-naturednext

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 Team Italy captain Vinnie Pasquantino is likely to get some good-natured ribbing from a few of his Royals teammates on Monday night. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026 Plus, the movie is simply too goofy and good-natured for any of its feminist agitation to land. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026 The twins credit their success to their strong support of each other, coupled with good-natured competition. Jason Getz, AJC.com, 27 Feb. 2026 Lynch was good-natured about his exit when speaking with HELLO! Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • Bruce Childress, Maydan Market’s director of restaurants, will swoop in with gracious suggestions across price points and tastes preferences.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Servers are warm and gracious, while bartenders like The Cove’s Mario will learn cocktail preferences in no time and offer suggestions based on mood and palate.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Great andouille sausages are balanced, with a pleasant amount of smoke, savory meat flavor, just enough heat to linger on your tongue after each bite, and a pleasant amount of salt to amplify it all.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Occasionally my therapist would have a delicious-smelling soup on simmer in another part of the house — not a design choice, but a pleasant sensory experience in the background.
    Wendy C. Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • North Texas will see a nice break from any rain before chances quickly return late Friday to Saturday.
    Michael Autovino, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Jacob Wilson hit a two-run single and made a nice defensive play at shortstop, helping the Athletics to a 2-1 win over Texas on Tuesday night that ended a seven-game losing streak against the Rangers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Deadwyler is at last seeing that change for herself with Rooster, HBO’s amiable new half-hour toplined by Steve Carell.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2026
  • This is all in the first three paragraphs, and the breakdowns—a capacious category that, for Lemann, seems to encompass everything from rages to amiable fugues—do not let up.
    Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But everything is silky and precise to the touch, and the sound astonishingly full and sweet in the small room, with the strain of an accordion coming in through the open window.
    Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The hotel is very family-friendly, and cots (complete with sweet Ambasciatori Palace teddy bears) can be placed in all rooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Good-natured.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-natured. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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