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Definitions

brotherly

[bruhth-er-lee] / ˈbrʌð ər li /
ADJECTIVE
friendly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affectionate amicable cordial fraternal neighborly selfless
WEAK
altruistic benevolent charitable compassionate comprehending comradely disinterested forgiving generous humane intimate kindly personal philanthropic solicitous sympathetic tender understanding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cold cool hostile unfriendly unsociable
WEAK
antagonistic sisterly sororal uncompanionable uncompassionate unneighborly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It has a historic relationship with Iran, a shared border and regularly refers to its "brotherly" relationship with the country.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

In brotherly exchanges, Jack, 14, is quite funny, but his mouth occasionally writes checks that his body can’t cash, for Finn, 16, has height and weight on him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

Their attempts are hampered by an evil Santa, who breaks into song to say they won't get home until they "rediscover their brotherly magic".

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

Because they’d done so much to bring the audience together, you couldn’t help by the end of the concert to long for a glimpse of a little brotherly love between the Gallaghers.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 7, 2025

Unbidden, a little bubble of brotherly jealousy gurgled up inside me.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam