Synonym Chooser

How is the word good-natured distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of good-natured are amiable, complaisant, and obliging. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

Where would amiable be a reasonable alternative to good-natured?

The synonyms amiable and good-natured are sometimes interchangeable, but amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When could complaisant be used to replace good-natured?

The meanings of complaisant and good-natured largely overlap; however, complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

When can obliging be used instead of good-natured?

The words obliging and good-natured can be used in similar contexts, but obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

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 good-natured In this cosmic horror feature, a strange symbiote creature arrives deep in the wilderness of a rocky mountainside, attracting all kinds of people, from good-natured individuals looking for salvation to bloodthirsty mercenaries looking to snuff out a potential threat. Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 The comedy centers on Ashley (Arjona), who has asked for a divorce from good-natured Carey (Marvin), who then runs to his friends Julie (Johnson) and Paul (Covino) for support. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 David Arquette, cast as good-natured if ineffectual deputy Dewey, met Courteney Cox at the first read. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Full of vibrant color and good-natured humor, this entertaining sci-fi hybrid holds up — even if the fashions don't. Katie Rife, EW.com, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for good-natured 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • His acceptance speech was just like him: gracious and humble.
    AllBusiness, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • When it was announced that the Last Splash classic lineup of the Breeders (Kim Deal on rhythm guitar and vocals, twin sister Kelley on lead guitar, Josephine Wiggs on bass, and Jim Macpherson on drums) would be opening select dates in 2024 for Olivia Rodrigo, Deal was both shocked and gracious.
    Drew Fortune, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Our tasters agreed that there was a pleasant, verdant, peppery aroma.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Anyone looking for a pleasant way to take daily vitamins: Gummy vitamins taste good and may feel like a small treat.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Two hundred of her closest family and friends made it on the nice list and were invited to her winter celebration.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Scharffen Berger 70% Cacao Bittersweet Dark Chocolate: A nice snap and melt here, but tasters said there was an acrid quality that gave it an unpleasant finish.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Spa is Worth the Whole Trip To begin, step into a world like no other at the Chuan Spa, where you’ll be greeted by amiable and accommodating staff who will assist in creating a soothing experience for you during your time here.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
  • But Brown turns out to be an amiable businessman who identified a market inefficiency.
    Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Fruit is another unprocessed, sweet option for dessert that is both nutrient-dense and delicious, Siegel and Arévalo said.
    Simon Spichak, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Both start as regular wine, to which producers add botanicals (like wormwood and quinine), extra alcohol and some kind of sweet syrup, to create a red or white version.
    Sofia Perez, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near good-natured

Cite this Entry

“Good-natured.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-natured. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on good-natured

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!