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as in obliging
willing to do a favor a kid-friendly restaurant with high chairs and a special menu for small-fry appetites

Synonyms & Similar Words

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friendly

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adverb

friendly

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective friendly contrast with its synonyms?

The words amicable and neighborly are common synonyms of friendly. While all three words mean "exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism," friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations.

sought friendly advice

When can amicable be used instead of friendly?

Although the words amicable and friendly have much in common, amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel.

maintained amicable relations

In what contexts can neighborly take the place of friendly?

The words neighborly and friendly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle.

neighborly concern

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 friendly
Adjective
The couple, parents of two young children, felt something more family friendly fit their lives in 2022. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2022 Wednesday had a friendly-looking cloud and a few raindrops, and Thursday had a dark, threatening cloud with heavier drops. F. Martin Ralph, Scientific American, 19 Aug. 2022
Adverb
Yes, there are no international friendlies scheduled until the international friendly against the Korea Republic at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6. Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Gabriel has not played in any of Arsenal’s three friendlies in Asia after picking up an injury in training. James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Noun
The players — including new signing Noni Madueke — will report back to London Colney on Monday ahead of the friendly against Villarreal on August 6. James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025 That You?' Tears at What Golden Retriever Does Every Night for 'Long Lost Best Friend' Not all feedback was friendly, though. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • Spinach Spinach can go to seed quickly when grown in warm temperatures.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
  • When the hand warmer is activated, the liquid crystallizes, releasing heat; it is recharged by boiling it in water.
    Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As the new general manager of the Farmington Civic Theater, Clare Cooney plans to add some indie films to the historic Farmington landmark’s familiar mix of tentpole movies and family favorites, writes Julie Hinds.
    Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Researchers extracted its bitter compounds, finding two familiar ones—and three that were previously unknown.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Occasionally, Cleary — who delivers between 50 and 100 quilts a month — said the group will hear positive stories from their donations.
    Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Young finished on a positive note, leading the Panthers to a 4-5 record overall and a 92.2 passer rating in the final weeks of the season with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • To date, more than 11,000 TikTok users have commented on the post, with many voicing their comedic takes on the viral moment and the cat's obliging demeanor.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Related Articles Until now exhibitions culminated in Saint Laurent’s studio on the upper floor of the museum, obliging visitors to backtrack toward the exit.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, an update made the model too agreeable, sometimes saying what sounded nice instead of what was actually helpful.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Bats are mostly helpful, rarely harmful and play a vital role in the ecosystem.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Doncic arrived at Dyckman at 8:11 p.m., making his grand entrance just after the first game ended, and didn’t leave until 90 minutes later — an eternity for a superstar in a setting this intimate.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 July 2025
  • In intimates, the fibers are sought after by renowned brands like Triumph for their even surface and gentle hand feel.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
  • While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Read More: The Real Danger of the Trump-Putin Summit At the press conference, Putin talked about how close Russia was to America (shades of Sarah Palin) and claimed that Russian trade with American has increased by 20%.
    Richard Stengel, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Still, don’t fully count out the Cajuns — at least to keep it close.
    Maddie Hartley August 15, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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