GOOD-NATUREDLY Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

good-naturedly

adverb

Definition of good-naturedly

as in amiably

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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 good-naturedly Some of the best scenes are just Owen, Joe, and Terry sharing a meal at their favorite diner, talking openly—and good-naturedly busting each other’s chops—about whatever happens to be going on in their lives. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 Sigmund, the artistic director of Stillwater’s Zephyr Theatre, joked good-naturedly. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 Regardless, everyone approves of Kiana, with Zack good-naturedly parodying her sunglasses and the girls encouraging him to lock it down despite the tumultuous relationships their friend group seems to attract. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 May 2026 Australian screen and stage veteran Kate Fitzpatrick plays Becky, a feisty grandmother whose role is so familiar that her banter with geeky Matt across the aisle (Richard Croughley) will later include him good-naturedly dropping a Shelley Winters reference. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026 Evgeni Malkin was good-naturedly jabbing the media for asking about his future in Pittsburgh. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 McCartney good-naturedly acknowledged the seating arrangement. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026 Before the game, Wood good-naturedly chatted it up with fans of Montana, which annually travels well. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025 Bertinelli, meanwhile, could be seen laughing good-naturedly nearby, but did not correct the actor. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for good-naturedly

Adverb

These story lines add a sense of urgency and progress to a series that was a little too comfortable being amiably aimless.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
Though Sigler and Pastore’s characters rarely interacted on the acclaimed series, Salvatore and Christopher frequently crossed paths, and amiably so.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of amiably

Adverb

Wagoner eventually recovers and the two cheerfully finish the song to applause.

— Stephanie Vander Wel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
At the top end, suites are spacious and cheerfully appointed, with smartly outfitted living rooms, double sinks in the bathrooms, robes, and patterned ceramics.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheerfully

Adverb

Over 150 episodes, Broski genially but insightfully chats with a wide range of guests, from fellow YouTubers to A-list talent.

— Randee Dawn, Variety, 26 May 2026
Waiting to address the group, Larson genially reminisced with a retiree, Joe Suggs, one of his opponents in 1998.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026

Definition of genially

Adverb

And Rob Sand, the affably idiosyncratic state auditor who didn’t have a challenger, is officially up for governor.

— Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
Which means right about now, the island is buzzing with thousands of MAMILs (middle aged men in lycra) and affably amateur Brits are arriving by the planeload.

— Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

Definition of affably

Adverb

In 2016, Brexiteers imagined that other European countries would follow their example and cheerily recover absolute sovereignty as liberated nation-states.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Ashley Graham, co-founder of Lucci Lambrusco, cheerily celebrates the brand at Pizzeria Portofino in Chicago on July 15.

— Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Definition of cheerily

Adverb

In a season that can graciously be described as gloomy, right-hander Randy Dobnak has been a bright spot for the Royals.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026
Los Angeles is an ideal locale for such soul-searching, and being a stranger in a strange land — who finds other strangers there, too — forms a poignant, effective allegory (that’s also graciously restrained).

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of graciously

Adverb

In a profoundly prolific decade, Texas singer-songwriter Charley Crockett has refined a soulful country purview, crooning sweetly about love and perseverance in misfortune and yielding rave reviews and Grammy nominations.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
The onions have been cooked low and oh-so-slow, turning sweetly silky.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweetly

Browse Nearby Words

good-natured

good-naturedly

good-naturedness

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“Good-naturedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/good-naturedly. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of good-naturedly

adverb

Example Sentences

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