friend·ly
ˈfren(d)-lē 
friendlier; friendliest
1
: of, relating to, or befitting a friend: such as
a
: showing kindly interest and goodwill
friendly neighbors
b
: not hostile
a friendly merger offer
also
: involving or coming from actions of one's own forces
friendly fire
c
: cheerful, comforting
the friendly glow of the fire
2
: serving a beneficial or helpful purpose
A friendly breeze finally drove the boat into harbor.
3
a
: easy to use or understand
friendly computer software
—often used in combinationa reader-friendly layout
b
: designed or intended to accommodate particular needs, users, etc.
—usually used in combination
a kid-friendly restaurant
… providing a more business-friendly and professional environment …—
Matt Miller
see also user-friendly
Matt Miller4
: not causing or likely to cause harm
environmentally friendly packaging [=packaging that does not damage the environment]
—often used in combinationan eco-friendly vehicle
plural friendlies
1
: one that is friendly
especially
: a native who is friendly to settlers or invaders
2
chiefly British
: a match between sports teams and especially international teams that has no connection with league or championship play
Synonyms
Examples of friendly in a Sentence
Adjective
The local people are very friendly to visitors.
It was friendly of him to offer to help us.
His friendly smile was reassuring.
They maintained a friendly correspondence.
A friendly breeze helped us sail the boat into the harbor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
These include their nocturnal lifestyle and their strong odor.
Smart and friendly, the world’s largest rodent (weighing more than 100 pounds) is social and gentle.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Gabriela Izquierdo, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2023
Planned performances resumed Friday, and a program nothing if not audience friendly filled plenty of seats at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
—Dallas News, 4 Feb. 2023
Don Riddell, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024
Chiesa, 26, has been made available for transfer and was not included in the Juventus squad for their final three pre-season friendlies earlier this month.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for friendly 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Adjective
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
These include their nocturnal lifestyle and their strong odor.
Smart and friendly, the world’s largest rodent (weighing more than 100 pounds) is social and gentle.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Weighing only 2 pounds, the tabletop grill is small space and camping-friendly—made for balconies, camping, and patios.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2023
Planned performances resumed Friday, and a program nothing if not audience friendly filled plenty of seats at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
—Dallas News, 4 Feb. 2023
Noun
The Argentine will officially take charge for the upcoming friendlies on October 12 in Austin against Panama, followed by an away game against bitter rivals Mexico three days later.
—Don Riddell, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024
Chiesa, 26, has been made available for transfer and was not included in the Juventus squad for their final three pre-season friendlies earlier this month.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for friendly
Articles Related to friendly
Dictionary Entries Near friendly
Cite this Entry
“Friendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friendly. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
friendly
1 of 2 adjective
friend·ly
ˈfren-dlē
friendlier; friendliest
: of, relating to, or right for a friend: as
a
: showing kindly interest and goodwill
a friendly gesture
b
: not hostile
friendly neighbors
d
: bringing comfort or cheer
the friendly glow of the fire
e
: accommodating, compatible
environmentally friendly packaging
—often used in combinationa kid-friendly restaurant
friendliness
noun
friendly
2 of 2 noun
plural friendlies
: a person who is friendly or cooperative
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