amicable

American  

[am-i-kuh-buhl] / ˈæm ɪ kə bəl /

adjective

1. characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable.

   an amicable settlement.

   Synonyms:

   agreeable

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amicable British  

/ ˈæmɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. characterized by friendliness

   an amicable agreement

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Other Word Forms

• amicability noun
• amicableness noun
• amicably adverb
• unamicability noun
• unamicable adjective
• unamicableness noun

Etymology

Origin of amicable

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin amīcābilis, equivalent to amīc(us) “friend, friendly” + -ābilis adjective suffix meaning “capable of, tending to” ( -able ); amiable

Explanation

The adjective amicable means "friendly" — but in particular, use it when describing relations one might otherwise expect to be unfriendly. The end of a romantic relationship that's less than amicable might involve broken dishes or broken bones. Amicable, not surprisingly, comes from the Latin word for "friend," amicus. Perhaps the things most commonly described as amicable are divorces. The parties in a divorce often tend to be so childish and the proceedings so messy that it's nice to have a word that reflects the absence of those qualities. Other nouns that commonly pair with amicable include relationship, split, parting, solution, and breakup.

Example Sentences

Paramount announced his departure Wednesday after the two sides negotiated an amicable resolution to the drama.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Embassy in Paris said that later on Tuesday Kushner and Barrot had a “frank and amicable call, reaffirming their shared commitment to working together, along with all other ministers and French officials.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

"The parties are pleased to have reached an amicable resolution of this dispute," the Social Media Victims Law Center said, noting that the terms of the settlement with TikTok are confidential.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

“It’s been amicable, and they’ve transitioned into a great co-parenting routine. The children are the priority and the heart of the family’s relationship,” the insider told the outlet.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

‘Naturally we have discussed this matter extensively. And without doubt as members of the colored race here in this free country of America we are anxious to do our part toward extending amicable relationships.’

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Related Words

• amiable
• civil
• cordial
• courteous
• harmonious
• neighborly
• peaceful
• polite