Synonyms of good-natured

good-natured

adjective

ˈgu̇d-ˈnā-chərd 

as in gracious

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations

the guests at the party were a good-natured bunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gracious
• pleasant
• nice
• amiable
• sweet
• affable
• friendly
• genial
• good-tempered
• cheerful
• agreeable
• clever
• delightful
• mellow
• polite
• kind
• attractive
• gentle
• well-disposed
• thoughtful
• benign
• civil
• amicable
• cordial
• enjoyable
• neighborly
• cheery
• courteous
• considerate
• sociable
• sunny
• likable
• companionable
• conversable
• glad
• amenable
• obliging
• accommodating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unpleasant
• disagreeable
• ungracious
• surly
• unkind
• unamiable
• boorish
• rude
• discourteous
• inconsiderate
• irascible
• irritable
• cantankerous
• unsociable
• uncivil
• impolite
• petulant
• unmannerly
• peevish
• grumpy
• snappish
• grouchy
• ill-natured
• cranky
• churlish
• ill-tempered
• dyspeptic
• touchy
• bilious
• ungenial
• choleric
• testy
• contrary
• fussy
• ornery
• crabby
• querulous
• contentious
• argumentative
• ill-mannered
• bearish
• unattractive
• ill-humored
• sour
• quick-tempered
• unappealing
• vinegary

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

Recent Examples of good-natured

Johansson’s good-natured skepticism about the venture is just the latest example of the playful dynamic the longtime couple has shared publicly. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

Varga contributed costumes, props, sets and visual artwork to Gwar, which became infamous beyond the metal world for their grotesque (if good-natured) theatrics, which included disemboweling effigies of religious and political figures onstage. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Secondo is dating a good-natured and devoted young American woman (Minnie Driver), while simultaneously having an affair with Pascal’s Italian girlfriend and hostess (Isabella Rossellini). — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

Carole seems good-natured about answering questions but also acknowledges that she’s been bombarded by them. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026