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amicable

adjective
am·​i·​ca·​ble | \ ˈa-mi-kə-bəl How to pronounce amicable (audio) \

Definition of amicable

: characterized by friendly goodwill : peaceable amicable relations/discussions an amicable agreement
Other Words from amicable Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym What is the Difference Between amicable, companionable, and neighborly? More Example Sentences Learn More about amicable

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Other Words from amicable

amicability \ ˌa-​mi-​kə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce amicability (audio) \ noun
amicableness \ ˈa-​mi-​kə-​bəl-​nəs How to pronounce amicableness (audio) \ noun
amicably \ -​blē How to pronounce amicably (audio) \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for amicable

amicable, neighborly, friendly mean exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism. amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel. maintained amicable relations neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle. neighborly concern friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations. sought friendly advice

What is the Difference Between amicable, companionable, and neighborly?

Amicable, which derives from Late Latin amicabilis, meaning "friendly," is one of a set of English words used to suggest cordial relationships. Amicable, neighborly, companionable, and friendly all mean marked by or exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism. Amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel ("they maintained amicable relations"; "the amicable process of bargaining"). Neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others, particularly those who are nearby, and to be helpful on principle ("neighborly concern"). Companionable suggests sociability and companionship ("a companionable dinner with friends"). Friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations ("a friendly correspondence").

Examples of amicable in a Sentence

About a million couples divorce each year in the United States, and most, like my ex and me, start out striving to keep the split amicable. And though you may have good intentions, things can go awry during the traditional I-win-you-lose adversarial process. — Annie Finnigan, Family Circle, 17 Oct. 2008 Instead, with the help of a neighborhood activist, Rob struck out in another direction. He retook his old turf from the dealers who had replaced him and opened a fruit stand and, later, a hot-dog concession. Bright, amicable and assured, Rob so impressed Anderson that the sociologist hired him as a part-time assistant. — Ellis Cose, Newsweek, 30 Aug. 1999 Cops such as William Anderson and Lowell Powell had been Sonny's friends. "I was a policeman and he was something of a thug," Powell recalled, but nonetheless their dealings were amicable. In the big picture, however, there was no love lost between Sonny and the cops. — Nick Tosches, Vanity Fair, February 1998 They reached an amicable agreement. the contract negotiations between the hotel workers and management were reasonably amicable
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Recent Examples on the Web

 But after going 7-6 in 2016 and 6-7 in 2018, if TCU doesn’t show marked offensive improvement and clear signs of competing with Texas and Oklahoma, there could at least be discussion of an amicable parting of ways. — Los Angeles Times, "College football 2019: Which Power Five coaching jobs might open up?," 18 Aug. 2019 The men did not discuss the Senate debate that night at dinner, Bouchard said in an interview, describing it as an amicable introductory chat. — Anchorage Daily News, "McConnell-backed effort to lift Russian sanctions boosted a project in his home state," 14 Aug. 2019 Christina and Tarek El Moussa have been trying to keep things amicable since their divorce. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "Did Tarek El Moussa Just Hint That 'Flip or Flop' Is Ending?," 8 Aug. 2019 The Cowboys have expressed a preference for keeping Cooper rather than lose him in free agency, and the former Alabama All-American is amicable to getting a deal done in Dallas. — Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, "Dallas Cowboys welcome Amari Cooper’s focus on football," 2 Aug. 2019 In the film, their amicable breakup devolves through rash responses and hostility as the movie explores feelings of resentment and enduring love. — Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, "Noah Baumbach's 'Marriage Story' Set for NYFF Centerpiece Screening," 30 July 2019 The two are still keeping things amicable and professional, if not a little awkward, as evident by their civilized Comic Con appearance together last weekend. — Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Real Reason Why Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart Broke Up," 24 July 2019 Ultimately, the professional breakup was not amicable. — Howard Megdal, New York Times, "Cappie Pondexter, Retired From the W.N.B.A., Has ‘Never Been So Alive’," 15 July 2019 But in December, Bradley made an amicable split with Sohocki and rebranded Ramen Bar as Kuriya @ Cherrity Bar. — Mike Sutter, ExpressNews.com, "Review: Kuriya @ Cherrity Bar delivers Japanese ramen with San Antonio charm," 3 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amicable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of amicable

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for amicable

Middle English, from Late Latin amicabilis — see amiable

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More Definitions for amicable

amicable

adjective
How to pronounce amicable (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of amicable

: showing a polite and friendly desire to avoid disagreement and argument

See the full definition for amicable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

amicable

adjective
am·​i·​ca·​ble | \ ˈa-mi-kə-bəl How to pronounce amicable (audio) \

Kids Definition of amicable

: showing kindness or goodwill “I only hoped … that the parting could be more amicable than this.”— Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy

Other Words from amicable

amicably \ -​blē \ adverb chatt

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