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 And Asher DeLand will recur as Victor Suffredes, a tough but good-natured kid with a troubled past. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 23 June 2026 Despite the intensity of the celebrations, fans say the atmosphere remains good-natured. Bri Buckley, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Van Sant continues to snap away on his Leica, gives her his calm, good-natured smile, and tells her not to worry about it. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 The conversation had the recognizable rhythm of sports fans’ mixture of banter and good-natured ribbing. Dan Greene, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • The Love Goddess Venus enters your sign, spotlighting self-worth and a gracious presence that helps people feel at ease around you.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
  • Over the years, the Caesars Entertainment team has won over guests with its premier service, glamorous suites, and gracious staff.
    Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Cecchi recommends visiting from April to June or alternatively in September or October, when the weather is pleasant and the city feels slightly less crowded.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Most people can recover on their own, although the symptoms aren’t pleasant, says Yancey.
    Alice Park, Time, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Quince This matching set feels especially nice on warm nights, thanks to its naturally cooling bamboo viscose material.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • Worth checking out The Nest Fragrances Reed Diffuser will keep your bathroom smelling nice with 21 lush scents, including lemon and mint, apricot tea, ginger and vanilla bean, ocean mist and sea salt, grapefruit and more.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • The amiable service at the onsite restaurant, The Whistling Grizzly, is just as good as the food—be sure to try the carrot cake or blood orange crème brûlée for dessert.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • As the amiable leader of Shinyribs, Russell and his colleagues mix rock, country, Texas blues, New Orleans funk, Memphis soul and more into an enjoyable, good-timey, bar-band blend.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • But even if you’re tempted to drown your chicken in the sweet and savory cranberry barbecue sauce, try to hold a little back.
    Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
  • For the grand opening in Eagle the store offered sweet cream, chocolate, pistachio, strawberry, wild berry and frozen lemonade.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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