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Synonyms

good-natured

American  
[good-ney-cherd] / ˈgʊdˈneɪ tʃərd /

adjective

  1. having or showing a pleasant, kindly disposition; amiable.

    a warm, good-natured person.
    Synonyms:
    equable, cheerful, willing, agreeable
good-natured British  

adjective

  1. of a tolerant and kindly disposition

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • good-naturedly adverb
  • good-naturedness noun

Etymology

Origin of good-natured

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Heated Rivalry” stans applauded the actor’s good-natured handling of the situation and flipped over the unannounced but entirely expected appearances by his co-star and best friend, Hudson Williams.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

Unlike the real battle of the bands, the rivalry between the two sets of actors is entirely good-natured.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

That connection soon gave way to a spirited but good-natured disagreement on economic policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

Adjessom was a student at Davidson High School, and loved ones describe him as a good-natured and generous teen who mowed his neighbors’ lawns on the weekends.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2025

Grandpa walked the Texan out to the street, clapped him on the shoulder, good-natured like, and pointed directions to town.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.