good-naturedly

adverb

Definition of good-naturedlynext
as in amiably

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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 good-naturedly Sigmund, the artistic director of Stillwater’s Zephyr Theatre, joked good-naturedly. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 Regardless, everyone approves of Kiana, with Zack good-naturedly parodying her sunglasses and the girls encouraging him to lock it down despite the tumultuous relationships their friend group seems to attract. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 May 2026 Australian screen and stage veteran Kate Fitzpatrick plays Becky, a feisty grandmother whose role is so familiar that her banter with geeky Matt across the aisle (Richard Croughley) will later include him good-naturedly dropping a Shelley Winters reference. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026 Evgeni Malkin was good-naturedly jabbing the media for asking about his future in Pittsburgh. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 McCartney good-naturedly acknowledged the seating arrangement. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026 Before the game, Wood good-naturedly chatted it up with fans of Montana, which annually travels well. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025 Bertinelli, meanwhile, could be seen laughing good-naturedly nearby, but did not correct the actor. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-naturedly
  1. amiably
  2. cheerfully
  3. genially
  4. affably
  5. cheerily
  6. graciously
  7. cordially
  8. sweetly
Adverb
  • Yet director Philip Barantini, while unable to gamely juggle the disparate plot elements, keeps things amiably brisk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • In the gym, the two of them chatted amiably as the Mayor prayed.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Definition of amiably
Adverb
  • My second appointment is with Dr Mohit Mangla, the allopathic consultant, who explains cheerfully that Tulåh prioritizes Ayurveda, albeit viewed through the lens of modern medicine.
    — Susan D'Arcy, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026
  • Most of them answered the phone cheerfully.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Definition of cheerfully
Adverb
  • Over 150 episodes, Broski genially but insightfully chats with a wide range of guests, from fellow YouTubers to A-list talent.
    — Randee Dawn, Variety, 26 May 2026
  • Waiting to address the group, Larson genially reminisced with a retiree, Joe Suggs, one of his opponents in 1998.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of genially
Adverb
  • And Rob Sand, the affably idiosyncratic state auditor who didn’t have a challenger, is officially up for governor.
    — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
  • Which means right about now, the island is buzzing with thousands of MAMILs (middle aged men in lycra) and affably amateur Brits are arriving by the planeload.
    — Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Definition of affably
Adverb
  • If the cheerily rhyming title about murder doesn’t quite do it for you, just Google what the posters look like.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • Then the doctors would bustle out to see their more appealing patients—the cheerily pregnant ones, whose deliveries constituted the bulk of their income and whose babies would be added to the collage of photos decorating their office walls.
    — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of cheerily
Adverb
  • The senator graciously declined the honor and requested the road bear the name of Cantrell.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2026
  • But if another team gets to Wilson first, the Bulls will graciously accept the gifts of Boozer or Peterson in return — not just for their talent, but also due to their strong fits as alternate foundations for a new future in Chicago.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Definition of graciously
Adverb
  • You're cordially invited to a night of fun and games with Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett.
    — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
  • The two part cordially—Rick expects nothing more.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 May 2026
Definition of cordially
Adverb
  • Johansen, sporting an all-black outfit, crouches down next to him and sweetly rests her head on his shoulder.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • Perhaps the most striking thing about this savage beatdown is its sweetly melodic backing track.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Definition of sweetly

Browse Nearby Words

good-natured
good-naturedly
good-naturedness
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Cite this Entry

“Good-naturedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-naturedly. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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