friend
Chosen close person
A friend is someone you know, like, and trust—distinct from family and romantic partners.
Friendship implies mutual affection and shared experiences: We've been friends since college.
The word extends to allies, supporters, or anyone not hostile: Are you friend or foe?
On social media, to friend someone is to add them to your network.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Informal term for companion
- palClose trusted companion
- matePartner or companion
- confidantTrusted keeper of secrets
- chumFriend or fish scraps
sidekick · bestie · comrade · amigo · playmate · crony · peer · homie
State of proximity
- connectionA joining or relation
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
- intimacyEmotional closeness between people
attachment · kinship · trust · loyalty · understanding · warmth · fondness · affection
One who backs another
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- defenderOne who guards another
- backerFinancial supporter
- partnerOne who shares activity
collaborator · confidant · accomplice · wingman · cheerleader · protector · champion · sponsor
Support spurring continued effort
- comfortEase or soothing relief
- helpAssistance given
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- empathySharing another's emotions
compassion · understanding · advice · guidance · listening · consolation · care · sympathy
buddy
Informal term for companion
chum · sidekick · bestie · comrade · amigo · playmate · crony · peer · homie · BFF
closeness
State of proximity
- connectionA joining or relation
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
intimacy · attachment · kinship · trust · loyalty · understanding · warmth · fondness · affection · devotion
supporter
One who backs another
partner · collaborator · confidant · accomplice · wingman · cheerleader · protector · champion · sponsor · patron
encouragement
Support spurring continued effort
- comfortEase or soothing relief
- helpAssistance given
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
empathy · compassion · understanding · advice · guidance · listening · consolation · care · sympathy · backing
dear
Treasured or costly
- darlingBeloved person or pet
- honeyBees' viscous nectar product
- sweetheartAffectionate name for beloved
love · sweetie · beloved · babe · angel · precious · pet · doll · dove · lamb
sis
Informal for female sibling
cousin · aunt · uncle · granny · gramps · son · daughter · nephew · niece · godparent
- peoplepeople, persons, person, individuals, humans
- relationshipsromantic, family, flirting, closeness, romance
- social lifefamily, group, relationship, community, acquaintance
- Facebooklike, comment, share, post, profile
- contactsfamily, contact list, neighbor, acquaintances, phone book
- friendspal, buddy, pals, buddies, bestfriend
friendstranger
Person not yet known
complete stranger · ex-friend · unknown · outsider · unfriend
friendopponent
One who contends against
rival · competitor · opposition · challenger · contender
- best friendMost trusted companion
- old friendLong-established companion
- make friendsEstablish companionship with others
- close friendsDeeply bonded companions
- my friendChosen companion relationship
- just friendsNon-romantic close relationship
friendly, friendship, boyfriend, unfriendly, girlfriend, friends, friendliness, unfriend, befriend