friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

1

: the state of being friends

they have a long-standing friendship

2

: the quality or state of being friendly : friendliness

the friendship shown him by his coworkers

3

obsolete : aid

Synonyms

• amity
• benevolence
• brotherhood
• charity
• cordiality
• cordialness
• fellowship
• friendliness
• gemütlichkeit
• good-fellowship
• goodwill
• kindliness
• neighborliness

Examples of friendship in a Sentence

a friendship between two countries

They have enjoyed many years of friendship.

He was encouraged by the friendship his coworkers showed him.

Recent Examples on the Web

Within their friendship there was a deep love and common bond over real-deal country music, artists that remain core influences for Midland — George Jones to Waylon Jennings, Alabama to Mark Chesnutt. —Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2024

Third, stories connect us and give us shared language—and this can build both collegiality and friendships. —Tracy Brower, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024

Their 30-year friendship is something to behold, especially because a few years ago, Steele came out as a trans woman. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2024

Anne's whimsical imagination, warm friendships, and lovely home make the show a great comfort-viewing contender, but its darker themes also elevate it into a drama. —Janey Tracey, EW.com, 22 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing friendship

• betray someone's friendship

Kids Definition

friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

: the state of being friends