FRIEND Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

friend 1 of 2

noun

ˈfrend

Definition of friend

as in buddy

a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another really close friends who like to do everything together and are always sharing secrets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in proponent

a person who actively supports or favors a cause hopes that the new governor will be a friend to environmental causes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

friend

2 of 2

verb

as in to befriend

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Dissimilar Words

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 friend

Noun

My dear friend has been in communication with someone online (and by phone) who claims to be a famous celebrity. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 Soon, a chilling report began circulating among family and friends. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Verb

But this time Williams’ violence took the life of a boy who friends and family described as compassionate, shy, and kind. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2026 Might friend Taylor Swift be on hand to introduce one of her musical performances? — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for friend

Noun

How to keep your best buddy safe and calm during the next several days.

— Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Founder Todd Graves commissioned the mural by his buddy Brody to celebrate his Times Square location’s third anniversary.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026

Definition of buddy

Noun

Stream-access proponents took a similar approach in 2010, after a landowner on the Taylor River strung cables from bank to bank to keep a rafting company from floating down.

— Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
There isn't time for proponents to get a new measure on this year's ballot and state law requires any measures brought in odd years be limited to questions related to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).

— Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of proponent

Verb

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
In Season 3, Herman was introduced as Heather, who along with her husband, befriends newlyweds Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate (Jacob Elordi) amid their life in the California suburbs.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 June 2026

Definition of befriend

Noun

As reflected in an email thread used in the Watson case, Valentine reacted skeptically in 2019 when a colleague told her a particular hospital wanted to exit its contract with Mead Johnson.

— David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
The incident sparked a one-game suspension for Thomas and another discourse about the treatment Clark has received from her WNBA colleagues in the floor.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of colleague

Noun

To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Hundreds of supporters gathered to cheer her arrival after nearly a month and a half at sea.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of supporter

Verb

Valentine and Suarez did not respond to letters mailed to addresses that appeared to be associated with them.

— David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sent a letter Tuesday informing Anthropic co-founder Tom Brown of the decision, citing Anthropic’s close coordination and cooperation with government officials to address risks associated with its models.

— Jared Perlo, NBC news, 1 July 2026

Definition of associate

Noun

Continue reading … CIRCLE OF TRUST — Clinton confidant who called Maxwell his 'lover' grilled by Congress over Epstein ties.

— , FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Wilson was previously linked romantically to co-star Ciara Miller, who was Batula’s closest confidant on Summer House.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 29 June 2026

Definition of confidant

Noun

While advocates for court reporters say humans can still do the job better than machines, the fact that many hearings occur without any official transcript at all has drawn concern from top state officials.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Human rights advocates have also welcomed Jin’s release but cautioned that many members of Zion Church still remain behind bars.

— Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of advocate

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friended

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“Friend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friend. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of friend

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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