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 Iger befriended Lakers’ current head coach JJ Redick when Redick played for the Clippers from 2013 to 2017. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 The film memorably told the story of a young boy who befriends and tries to free a killer whale who has been captured in the wild and is living in an aquarium. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 The Ghost Player experience, which allowed Scherrman to befriend the family of Roberto Clemente on a trip to Puerto Rico, has been decidedly more rewarding than serving as an extra in the film. — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 The Paramount+ spy thriller, now in its third season, follows Joe, the leader of the CIA’s covert Lioness Program, which recruits female operatives to befriend women connected to high-value terrorist targets. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 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

Verb

Martin, 22, joined the Pride ahead of the 2026 season after signing her first professional contract with the club in January following a standout collegiate career at Georgetown University.

— Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Volunteers rush to save livestock and help Ranchers For the past 48 hours, Garrett Duvall and the Rancher's Navy have been moving through the burn zone, joining dozens of volunteers and crews trying to save livestock and help ranchers recover.

— Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of join

Browse Nearby Words

befouls

befriend

befriended

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Style

“Befriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befriend. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of befriend

verb

Example Sentences

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