FRIENDLY Synonyms: 331 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

friendly 1 of 3

adjective

ˈfren(d)-lē

Definition of friendly next

as in warm

having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest all of the people in my new department seem friendly as a friendly gesture, we presented our new neighbors with a plate of homemade cookies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in familiar

closely acquainted we're friendly with our neighbors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in positive

expressing approval a friendly sign that our pet project would be approved

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in helpful

promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being the state's attitude towards commercial development is widely regarded as friendly to the business community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

friendly

2 of 3

adverb

as in friendlily

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

friendly

3 of 3

noun

as in intimate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The roster for Sunday's friendly is loaded with professional players, including two holdovers from this summer's gold medal squad: midfielder Hal Hershfelt and defender Emily Sams. —

Nate Rau, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024 Still, some observers point out that Trump 2.0 might not be as friendly to the industry as his first time in office. —

Hugh Son, CNBC, 13 Oct. 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

The team, named Fenix FC after the mythical bird symbolizing rebirth, played some friendlies and seven-a-side games last season but now competes in the fifth tier in the northwestern region of Catalonia after being incorporated into a local club in the Barcelona suburb of Sant Feliu de Llobregat. —

Reuters, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2024 In that time, El Tri has played significantly more matches on this side of the border than at home, regularly packing NFL stadiums across the country by scheduling friendlies against lower caliber squads. —

Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for friendly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly

Adjective

Aim for a warm shower with warm water to reach a happy medium.

Audrey Noble, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2024
Anderson shelters, which were constructed in house’s gardens and backyards, were so cold and damp that some opted to stay inside in their warm beds during air raids.

Gregory Wakeman, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2024