befriend

verb

be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
befriended; befriending; befriends
Synonyms of befriendnext

transitive verb

: to become or act as a friend to
befriended the new student

Examples of befriend in a Sentence

He befriended the new student.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If all else fails, just try to befriend weather-friendly colors. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026 Martin, who died in 1995 at age 78, befriended Humperdinck as his career was taking off. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 She gets befriended by the wildly popular Courtney (Liz Georges), who becomes not only a close pal but a valuable second perspective for both the show and Ginger herself. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026 Likewise, the main director whom the Minions befriend, Max (Christoph Waltz), has a European accent, a derby-tip to the industry’s immigrant roots. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for befriend

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of befriend was in 1559

Rhymes for befriend

See All Rhymes for befriend

Browse Nearby Words

befoul
befriend
be friends with
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befriend. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

befriend

verb
be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
: to become or act as a friend to

More from Merriam-Webster on befriend

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for befriend

Nglish: Translation of befriend for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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