goodwill
4 synonyms and 1 antonyms for goodwill, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A friendly, favorable attitude toward someone or something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use goodwill
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English good wille, built from "good" and "will"; the thrift-shop sense comes from the US charity Goodwill Industries.
Full origin of goodwill →Frequently asked questions
What does “goodwill” mean?
The word “goodwill” means a friendly, favorable attitude toward someone or something. In plain terms, friendly intentions and cooperation — or, in business, the reputation-based value of a company beyond its assets.
How do you pronounce “goodwill”?
“Goodwill” is pronounced guud-WIHL (/ˌɡʊdˈwɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “goodwill” in a sentence?
Here is “goodwill” used in a sentence: “The two companies signed the deal in a spirit of goodwill.”
What is the opposite of “goodwill”?
The opposite of “goodwill” — its antonyms — is ill will.
What part of speech is “goodwill”?
“Goodwill” is a noun.
Where does the word “goodwill” come from?
The word “goodwill” comes from Middle English. From Middle English good wille, built from "good" and "will"; the thrift-shop sense comes from the US charity Goodwill Industries.
Is “goodwill” a common word?
“Goodwill” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “goodwill” have?
“Goodwill” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a friendly, favorable attitude toward someone or something.
What is the difference between "goodwill" in everyday use and "goodwill" in accounting?
In everyday use, goodwill refers to a friendly, favorable attitude toward someone or something, such as goodwill between neighbors. In accounting, goodwill instead refers to the intangible value of a business beyond its physical assets, such as brand reputation or customer loyalty, and is a specific financial term used in valuations.
Why is "Goodwill" sometimes capitalized?
"Goodwill" is capitalized when referring specifically to the Goodwill charity, a thrift or charity shop chain in the US. The lowercase "goodwill" is used for the general senses relating to friendliness or business value.
How is business goodwill different from a company's reputation?
Reputation is the general public perception of a company, while goodwill in accounting is a specific measurable asset representing the value a business has beyond its tangible assets, often including reputation as one factor. Goodwill appears as a line item on financial statements, whereas reputation does not have a set monetary value.