befriend

verb

be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
befriended; befriending; befriends
Synonyms of befriendnext

transitive verb

: to become or act as a friend to
befriended the new student

Examples of befriend in a Sentence

He befriended the new student.
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.
An author befriends a movie star and attempts to write a version of her story. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Set in 1964 and based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a young journalist who tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in New York and befriends the suspect’s charming wife. — John Hopewell, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 The Housewife, directed by Ben Shirinian and written by Alyssa Hill, is based on a true story and set in 1964, when a young journalist who tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in New York and befriends the suspect’s charming wife. — Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 Upper-class Samantha befriends poor Nelly and changes her snobby grandmother’s opinion on Irish immigration. — Tara Strauch, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for befriend

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of befriend was in 1559

Rhymes for befriend

See All Rhymes for befriend

Browse Nearby Words

befoul
befriend
be friends with
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befriend. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

befriend

verb
be·​friend bi-ˈfrend How to pronounce befriend (audio)
: to become or act as a friend to

More from Merriam-Webster on befriend

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for befriend

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