amicable

[am-i-kuh-buhl]

adjective

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

   an amicable settlement.

   Synonyms: agreeable

amicable

/ ˈæmɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. characterized by friendliness

   an amicable agreement

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of amicable¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of amicable¹

C15: from Late Latin amīcābilis, from Latin amīcus friend; related to amāre to love

Example Sentences

Albeit an amicable split, it was still abrupt, with the latter experiencing a spiritual reawakening that set a hard contrast to the drug-dealing-infused lyrics that often occupied their music.

From Los Angeles Times

It also reflects the decline in a relationship that for decades had been overwhelmingly stable and amicable.

From Salon

But Shanks is generous without being excessive, taking the heat from a boil to a simmer and back again at record speed, creating an exciting pacing that feels as veritably dubious as any amicable breakup.

From Salon

Simon told the trial he and Erin had initially remained chatty and amicable after their split in 2015.

From BBC

Discussions between all parties are described as amicable.

From BBC

Related Words

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