friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

1

: the state of being friends

They have a long-standing friendship.

2

: the quality or state of being friendly : friendliness

the friendship shown him by his coworkers

3

obsolete : aid

Synonyms of friendship

• generosity
• brotherhood
• amity
• cordiality
• goodwill
• friendliness
• neighborliness
• kindness
• good-fellowship
• benevolence
• fellowship
• kindliness
• community
• companionship

Examples of friendship in a Sentence

a friendship between two countries

They have enjoyed many years of friendship.

He was encouraged by the friendship his coworkers showed him.

Recent Examples on the Web

Swifties began their own tribal rituals that became part of the tour, after starting out on a strictly organic grass-roots level — most notably, the friendship-bracelet craze. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2025

Many still have the friendship bracelets to prove it. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025

Beyond the central mystery of who hurt Betsy is the deteriorating friendship between Jess and Liz. —Barry Levitt, Time, 12 Dec. 2025

After forging a close friendship on the set of The Traitors, Efron notes that the two kept getting approached to do a project together. —Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing friendship

• betray someone's friendship

Kids Definition

friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

: the state of being friends