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 Plus, the movie is simply too goofy and good-natured for any of its feminist agitation to land. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026 The twins credit their success to their strong support of each other, coupled with good-natured competition. Jason Getz, AJC.com, 27 Feb. 2026 Lynch was good-natured about his exit when speaking with HELLO! Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026 The comment made both Chalamet and Jenner laugh in the audience as the pair seemed good-natured about the barb. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • Not a good idea when your intention is to be gracious.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Bottom-liners had also nixed Gehry’s original design for a more gracious lobby with a cafe out front, not the gloomy one installed against his will.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Shared fairness makes today’s agreements durable and pleasant.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Sellers may lose out this spring Spring is usually peak season for home sales as buyers return to the housing market, and the pleasant weather raises curb appeal for sellers.
    Alison Saldanha, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Google's $499 Pixel 10a feels a whole lot nicer to use.
    Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Phase One currently is centered on a music theater that (from the point of view of the city) is very much in the nice-to-have-but-fully-served-elsewhere category and on a hotel, which is more promising but still less beneficial when compared with housing.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The rank bigotry of a neo-Nazi newsletter filters through folks like Sean’s parents and sister (a very funny Kate Berlant) — which is to say conservatives, but mostly amiable ones.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Thomas Jay Ryan was a funny, cranky Kramer, Will Brill a shrewd, amiable Fauci.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Leonardo da Vinci himself couldn’t have drawn up a sweeter draw.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The regional specialty features a thin crust, a slightly sweet tomato sauce and loads of cheese — provolone-and-mozzarella or just provolone.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2026.

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