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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

Examples 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
Some companies may even be holding off on big changes, hoping a friendlier White House will tilt the scale back in their favor. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 United-Guardian continues to focus on developing new products using natural and environmentally friendly raw materials to meet the demand for 'green' and sustainable products. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Midtown offices offers an excellent view — especially of the giant purple robot and friendly-looking hot dog that are waving from behind skyscrapers. Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 28 July 2022 Events for May 26 include a stress management program 10-11 a.m., low vision tips and tricks noon to 1 p.m. and friendly beat the champs chair volleyball and corn hole competitions 1-2 p.m. Carol Kovach, cleveland, 24 May 2022
Noun
After defeating Iceland in a pair of friendlies, the USWNT will now face Argentina on Wednesday, October 30 at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, KY at 4pm PT/7pm ET. Jackie Gutierrez, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Hickey returned to light training this summer but did not feature in any of their pre-season friendlies or their first two games of the season. Jay Harris, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for friendly 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • If frostbite occurs, move indoors, remove wet clothing, and soak the affected body part in warm water.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
  • The bar team at Uptown Sports Club sent along a cocktail recipe that's sure to keep you warm this winter.
    Nicole Cobler, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Using color and music to tell that story — celebrating Black culture — the collection marries Black Radiance’s beauty know-how for darker skin tones with Cross Colours’ familiar palette of red, yellow, black and green, as well as its connection to ’80s and ’90s hip-hop.
    Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024
  • This northside Japanese steakhouse serves familiar Japanese and Japanese-American dishes like tempura, katsu, hot pot, sushi and hibachi dishes.
    Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The second-tier season so far has been one of learning and positive performances for the former Red Bull Salzburg midfielder, who signed from the Austrian outfit in summer 2022.
    Nancy Froston, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The university's student newspaper, The Villanovan, reported that the actor was handing out water and snacks (and obliging selfie requests) on that campus as well.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • But on this day’s errand, in the New Pioneer produce aisle, Greenwell could be mistaken for someone a little more quotidian: an obliging, slightly flustered midwestern husband.
    Sarah Thankam Mathews, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • Government shutdowns have proven to be ineffective ways to reform spending, but deals crafted around the debt limit have in the past proven helpful.
    The Editors, National Review, 19 Dec. 2024
  • While these tips are helpful guidelines, everyone’s skin is different.
    Sara Button, AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Legacy outdoor brand the North Face crossed into a new frontier of exploration early this week with the launch of their latest line of winter gear, a collaboration with Skims, the intimates and shapewear brand headed by Kim Kardashian.
    Jamie Aranoff, Outside Online, 12 Dec. 2024
  • This decline includes a 2% reduction related to the sale of the Heritage Brands intimates business.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In addition to seeing her parents move into the gracious gift, Cooper already has a big year ahead of her.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Be a gracious host and make your guests feel as comfortable as possible with these simple bed-making tips.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • That same year, billionaire Elon Musk, who's now one of Trump's closest allies, bought Twitter and renamed it X.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 30 Dec. 2024
  • The final results in Virginia, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and New Jersey were all close enough with Harris as the nominee to suggest Biden could have lost those states.
    W. James Antle III, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near friendly

Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

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