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.
Through Midge’s eyes, Gregory laid waste to the casual cruelty, cattiness, sexism and narcissism of 90s workplace culture, dating, family relationships, female friendships, consumerism and more. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Shuja could not bear seeing his son hurt and finally agreed to relinquish the diamond, but only if he was paid and guaranteed a treaty of friendship. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, Clark and Floyd strike up a deep friendship, easing their suburban loneliness. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Co-stars and friends of Hayden Panettiere are remembering the actor for her friendship, intelligence and talent after her shocking death at age 36 on Sunday. — Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 17 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of friendship for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about friendship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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