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 Michalle is petite, good-natured, and very pretty, with dark eyes and a radiant smile. Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • Ask the gracious waitstaff for their recommendation—they’ll never steer you wrong.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Sanremo news The Royal Hotel Sanremo, a gracious five-star Belle Epoque landmark, is one of the Riviera’s best-value luxury offerings.
    Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • The temptation to go with Krick’s more pleasant (and somehow more spiritually American) forecast is obviously great.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • Walker Buehler has been a pleasant and necessary surprise, even providing the Padres with the occasional quality start.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Spring peas and wild rice make a nice combo filling for sweet bell peppers!
    Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The new hire was Mike Brown, a funny, amiable man, who, at least outwardly, looks to have a converse personality to Thibodeau.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2026
  • Further, Lewis was fun to be around, amiable and thoughtful, maybe candid to a fault.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • From a sweet yogurt bowl with cinnamon and berries to a savory dip with garlic and herbs.
    Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 6 June 2026
  • Peaches are a classic summer treat, offering sweet and juicy bites from the first taste to the pit.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 June 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 10 Jun. 2026.

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