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

• amity
• benevolence
• brotherhood
• charity
• cordiality
• cordialness
• fellowship
• friendliness
• gemütlichkeit
• good-fellowship
• goodwill
• kindliness
• neighborliness

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

For now, Lynch and Valkyria are the two beloved babyfaces who can dominate the women’s tag team division and form a friendship. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

This is a reminder of how much work went on behind the scenes to make Nostra Aetate possible — and the extent to which friendships between Catholic and Jewish communities in America still matter today. —Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025

Hugh Jackman enjoys a celebrated friendship with industry peer and Deadpool & Wolverine co-star Ryan Reynolds. —Caroline Frost, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2025

Brooks explained that this happens because couples, amidst the hustle of raising kids, forget to prioritize friendship. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 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