amicable

American  

[am-i-kuh-buhl] / ˈæm ɪ kə bəl /

adjective

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

   an amicable settlement.

   Synonyms:

   agreeable

---

amicable British  

/ ˈæmɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. characterized by friendliness

   an amicable agreement

---

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

No one knows which course Syria under Ahmed al-Sharaa will choose, but for the first time in a half-century its government appears to want amicable relations with the U.S. and Israel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The federal government is also pledging to provide funding of up to 20m francs in addition to facilitating talks between the victims, officials and insurers to reach amicable compensation agreements, Jans said.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

He characterized Epstein as being generally amicable but described an instance of “very aggressive” displeasure after Perry Lang left a prepared meal in the fridge.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 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

“Welcome to Calhoun High School, brother and sister Meecham,” the principal said, getting up and punching Ben on the shoulder in an amicable gesture.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

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