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 Ringo Starr is delivering a good-natured lecture on bone and joint health. Kim Willis, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 On an average day, Curaçao’s eclectic energy animates the island, but this period is especially boisterous—filled with costumed performers, twinkling floats, an abundance of music and good-natured, family-friendly revelry. Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026 That gives Brady license to take good-natured shots at wrestling for now and positions him to become a high-profile heel at WrestleMania 42. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 Here, group dates often involve good-natured humiliation rituals that vaguely correspond to a romantic theme. Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • Miss Manners suspects that many would be miffed — not only the mothers absent that day, but also (and perhaps especially) the non-parents who are gracious about concessions made to parents when their personal duties conflict with work.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
  • At the Gotham Bar, ask the team for Conrad, cheerful and gracious, who can suggest a martini for your mood.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But as the evidence mounts, scientists continue to puzzle over the pleasant surprise—how are vaccines that target specific pathogens inadvertently shielding our minds from deterioration?
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
  • Last year, against the Minnesota Frost, was a bit more of a pleasant surprise after a one-goal regular season campaign by Leslie, who spent two seasons between Toronto and Ottawa as a useful depth player.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The comfortable seating area in the living room includes couches and armchairs set in front of the TV and fireplace for relaxing after a day on the slopes, and a dining table provides a nice spot to relax and eat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Sullivan made a nice play on the ball and then twisted out of a tackle and ran 15 yards to the goal line.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Field’s neurotic, kvetching energy and Pullman’s drawlingly laidback presence spark off each other to amiable and spontaneous effect — enough so to show up the contrivances in the film’s secondary characters and subplots.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 May 2026
  • Mira was an amiable baby, a daredevil toddler, and, once Dylan arrived, a menace.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Izaiah is sweet, funny, and incredibly thoughtful, often bringing a positive and lighthearted energy to the people around him.
    MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
  • This sort of attention to dessert is otherwise increasingly rare; too many ambitious kitchens pour all their resources into their savory menus and then punt on the sweet courses, serving a scoop of gelato in a fancy coupe, or a slice of cake assembled off-site.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 10 May 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 16 May. 2026.

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