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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 island is also home to a wide selection of family friendly all-inclusive resorts, including the luxury all-inclusive Barceló Aruba. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2025 The 20-year-old was called up to the Trinidad & Tobago national team in December for a friendly against Saudi Arabia. Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
Adverb
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 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
Noun
Kerr is expected to return in the coming weeks, in time to play for Australia in a pair of international friendlies against South Korea in April in the lead-up to the 2026 AFC Asian Cup. Steve Douglas, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 Three goals were scored in four friendlies on their summer tour of the United States. Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly
Adjective
  • It’s kept me warm in the cold winter months but has transitioned easily into spring.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And then, aren’t cats emblematic of whatever is familiar but ultimately unknowable?
    Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • But if the screaming sirens and looming threats to life and property are familiar, this year is different, experts say, with fewer National Weather Service employees on the job because of layoffs by President Donald Trump and less data about weather approaching from the Great Plains states.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But, speaking before the Panama game, Richards said the manager’s positive mentality is shared by the players — and very welcome.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • How do your efforts contribute to a positive work environment? Be intentional about offering support—this could mean mentoring a newer coworker or simply being available to help brainstorm solutions during meetings.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • On the other end of Blake Street, 39-year-old Marvin McCullough is more obliging to the brigade of journalists parked outside his home.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Before taking a seat, many guests flock to the patio for photos, with staff kindly obliging and offering to take a snap or two.
    Colin Wrenn, The Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • However, some experts acknowledge that sibling gifts may be helpful in certain cases, particularly if the sibling has trouble with emotional regulation or a learning difference.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 31 Mar. 2025
  • What whistleblowers need to know before speaking out The Signals Network has many resources, but perhaps the most helpful one is its personal assessment tool.
    Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There are three large, deep drawers in the center flanked on either side by smaller compartments ideal for intimates, socks, and more.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the documentary intimates, penny-pinching and dollar stretching, along with the corner-cutting and risk taking, continues in the world of indie genre cinema.
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Mallard Lounge epitomizes the après-ski tradition, providing a gracious transition from active days to relaxed evenings.
    Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Mina, worried about her young kids doing the math about her long, grueling commute, cautiously accepts Alma’s gracious offer.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Archway provides a no-obligation offer within 24 hours, can pay cash and close within three days or on a future date of the seller’s choice, and there are no fees or commissions to pay.
    Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Since Sullivan’s arrest, there have been calls for a state-level investigation and a closer examination of its safety net for children, including homeschooling practices, around which there is little or no regulation, according to a 2018 Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate report.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friendly. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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