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 There were caveats, which included the detail that the car would, in fact, be tracked—so other users with self-navigating cars would be sent to other locations—but mostly, the form served as good-natured encouragement; a reminder of the mission at hand. Katherine Lagrave, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025 There were moments of good-natured humor sprinkled in — a way to care for fellow team members and honor those who were going home. Melissa Olson, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025 In the Mets’ clubhouse, Soto’s lack of speed is the butt of good-natured ribbing. Will Sammon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 These provide a kind of spine for the film, as their exchanges range over the course of production from good-natured to dramatic. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • This luxurious property sizzles with gracious elegance and impeccable service, eliciting over-the-top reviews from guests.
    Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The fans are really, really gracious and excited.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the mid-Missouri heat and humidity finally subside, any outdoor activity—from the perfect wine picnic to a Katy Trail hike—is much more pleasant.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As America’s capital of both wine production and pleasant weather, California has any number of towns that capture this experience, each with distinguishing characteristics that suit different types of travelers.
    Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With that in mind, his glowing comments on Jeter paid a nice tribute.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In her opinion, a courthouse wedding or a small ceremony in a family member's backyard would have been just as nice, Kate said.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • WristbandGuy, for his part, was an amiable if preoccupied host.
    Daniel Kolitz, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The Half Moon Bay weigh-off began in 1974, when the California town barely edged out Circleville, Ohio, in an amiable contest for the fictitious title of pumpkin capital of the world.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fox's nails may have been dipped in blood (red nail polish), but the rest of her look was soft and sweet—a fun contrast against the bloody gown.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Aside from buying beans, my go-to is a cortado with almond milk and — hear me out — quarter-sweet simple syrup.
    Tamia Boyd, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on good-natured

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