BEFRIEND Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

befriend

verb

Definition of befriend

as in to friend

to become a friend to (someone) He befriended the new student.

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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 befriend Aaliyah was Joe's first major target in Season 1, when the CIA Lioness program sent Marine Cruz Manuelos (Laysla De Oliveira) undercover to befriend her and infiltrate her family. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 But by incorporating the recurring ghost of Richie, a thirteen-year-old inmate who befriends the children—Ward combines the Southern Gothic with a socio-realist tradition in a voice that is both visceral and intimate. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026 On the line is Jay McGreevy, who owned a company that sold kitchen appliances and befriended Ditka and many star Chicago athletes through endorsements and rounds of golf at an exclusive country club. — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, Doran’s inclusion of Nell (Sherry-Lee Watson), a gifted horse trainer of Aboriginal origins who befriends Sybylla, offers an alternate vision of female passion and defiance. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for befriend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for befriend

Verb

But this time Williams’ violence took the life of a boy who friends and family described as compassionate, shy, and kind.

— Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2026
The discourse started to boil when the Duchess of Sussex declared to friend Mindy Kaling that her last name is now Sussex in season 1 of Netflix’s With Love, Meghan, which premiered in March 2025.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of friend

Browse Nearby Words

befouls

befriend

befriended

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“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befriend. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of befriend

verb

Example Sentences

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