GOOD-NATURED Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

good-natured

adjective

ˈgu̇d-ˈnā-chərd

Definition of good-natured next

as in gracious

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations the guests at the party were a good-natured bunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Bernese mountain dogs are known for their calm, affectionate, and good-natured temperament. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 The Power Broker While the perennially good-natured (or, at least, politically savvy) Jennings has kind things to say about Richards’ work as a producer during that first post-Trebek season, the Jeopardy! family in general is reluctant to discuss Richards’ stint. —

Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025 The video shows the situation turn from potentially dangerous to good-natured quickly. —

Tommy McArdle, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024 His family owned a peanut farm, which would become the subject of good-natured jokes throughout Carter’s political campaigns. —

Andrea Michelson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for good-natured

Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured

Adjective

Dalin was gracious in the moment, but those close to him and the campaign acknowledge that the sting was real.

— George Allen, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025
The hotel feels grown-up and staff effusively handle all of your needs with a striking level of gracious humility.

— Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025