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

• 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

The answer may or may not be English novelist Frances Brooke’s The History of Emily Montague, the story of an epistolary friendship between several characters, including the book’s namesake. —JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025

Now, that friendship has made its way into the kitchen. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025

However, friendships aren’t the only thing that Shepherd dished on during her approximately two-hour show. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

In-person or online support groups can be a gold mine of knowledge and friendship. —Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 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