Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
friend (noun)1.
a) one attached to another by or esteem - affection
b) - acquaintance
2.
a) one that is not hostile
b) one that is of the same nation, party, or group
3.
one that or promotes something (as a charity) - favors
4.
a favored companion
5.
capitalized a member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war - called also Quaker
transitive verb
to act as the friend of - befriend
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
friend (noun)1.
a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another
SYNONIMS:
alter ego, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, comrade, confidant, confidante, crony, familiar, intimate, mate, musketeer, palRELATED WORDS:
acquaintance; associate, cohort, colleague, companion, fellow, hearty, hobnobber, partner, peer, sport; blood brother, brother, main man, sister; abettor ( abetter), accomplice, ally, collaborator, confederate; pen pal; benefactor, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher; friendlyNEAR ANTONYMS:
adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival; archenemy, nemesis2.
a person who actively supports or favors a cause
SYNONIMS:
advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler ( gospeller), herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knightRELATED WORDS:
loyalist, partisan ( partizan), stalwart; adherent, cohort, disciple, follower; interpreter; applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow travelerNEAR ANTONYMS:
enemy, foe, rival; belittler, critic, faultfinder