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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Do it in person, or, if that's not possible, leave a snack on your porch or a friendly thank-you note like these neighbors did. —

Kendall Malinchock, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 View More Funny, cheerfully provocative, at once friendly and sharp-elbowed: That’s Smith in person, and also in her copious fictional output (13 novels and six story collections over the past 30 years). —

Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 4 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

Aside from friendlies against quality European sides Watford, Dinamo Minsk and Juventus, the federation failed to schedule meaningful international matches. —

Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 Both appeared in summertime friendlies: Bayern Munich played at Bank of America Stadium in 2016 in the International Champions Cup and Real Madrid played there earlier this year in the Soccer Champions Tour. —

Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for friendly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for friendly

Adjective

It’s finished with red wood veneer, which adds a rustic and warm feel to the piece.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025
Listen to this article Another sunny and warm day is forecast in Central Florida on Sunday, Spectrum News 13 meteorologist Zach Covey said.

— Elainie Barraza, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025