friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship How to pronounce friendship (audio)
Synonyms of friendshipnext
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 of friendship

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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
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.
The fact that Haslem became a mentor for Adebayo and developed a close friendship with him during their six seasons as Heat teammates made the moment especially meaningful. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026 For his family, the celebration was a reminder that a small act of kindness—showing up, saying hello or offering friendship—can mean a lot. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 In Wisconsin, and other places where LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman has funded Democratic PACs, Republicans attacked Hoffman’s friendship with Epstein and asked why Democrats weren’t giving back his money. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The Rare Beauty product launch -- a set of two liquid blushes -- is even named the Delena, after their friendship portmanteau. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for friendship

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of friendship was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing friendship

Browse Nearby Words

Friendsgiving
friendship
Friendship sloop
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Cite this Entry

“Friendship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friendship. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

friendship

noun
friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship How to pronounce friendship (audio)
: the state of being friends

More from Merriam-Webster on friendship

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about friendship

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