Synonym Chooser

How is the word good-natured distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of good-natured are amiable, complaisant, and obliging. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

Where would amiable be a reasonable alternative to good-natured?

The synonyms amiable and good-natured are sometimes interchangeable, but amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When could complaisant be used to replace good-natured?

The meanings of complaisant and good-natured largely overlap; however, complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

When can obliging be used instead of good-natured?

The words obliging and good-natured can be used in similar contexts, but obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

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-natured Although famously good-natured and avuncular, unlike the mercurial genius that is the movie’s subject, Linklater is in many ways just the right Austin dude to take on the French New Wave’s revolutionary spirit of cinematic invention. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025 There is good-natured laughter and yelling as the kicker retrieves the ball and rolls it back to the pitcher. Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025 And this isn't the only thing that Renner is good-natured about after his accident. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025 Amid his calls for peace among all the people of the world, social media users across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and other platforms reacted with some good-natured quips. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for good-natured
Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-natured
Adjective
  • Its three-stateroom design lets owners and guests can enjoy weekend cruising, while the exterior promotes gracious outdoor living in the large beach-club area, or up on the sport bridge.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
  • Ohio State fans were actually gracious in honoring him before the game.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Make sure to learn about Filipino values, avoid superiority, and be a pleasant neighbor in this country that is welcoming you.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • View 7 Images The Tiffin GH1 all-terrain camper van was one of the most pleasant RV surprises of 2024.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • From the outside, Lyons’s house is a textbook Baltimore row home with a modest porch made for relaxing on a nice day or having a smoke while you people-watch.
    Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
  • Wilson completed a pass to Dee Eskridge, who made a nice one-handed catch with cornerback Kendall Sheffield in coverage.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • After years of a legal battle where both sides won key judgments, officials chalked up the apparently amiable end to new personalities at the top of each agency.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • The performances were too amiable and not particularly satirical (much like the real-life Harris’s own appearance on the show).
    Dave Itzkoff, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The classic Bronx is a full pour of gin, and about half that much of sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and orange juice.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 31 May 2025
  • Stop into Bodega Ultima for lunch, and save room for something sweet (perhaps the turtle crunch cheesecake) at The Boll Weevil Café & Sweetery.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Good-natured.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-natured. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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