pal
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for pal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A friend; someone you're on close, casual terms with.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use pal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
old pal
pal around with
pal of mine
Very informal; the confrontational sense ("Listen, pal") is common in spoken English but not in formal writing.
Etymology
Borrowed from Angloromani pal ("brother, friend"), from Romani phral, ultimately from the same Sanskrit root as "brother."
Full origin of pal →Frequently asked questions
What does “pal” mean?
The word “pal” means a friend; someone you're on close, casual terms with. In plain terms, a casual word for friend — or, said sharply, a way of putting someone in their place.
How do you pronounce “pal”?
“Pal” is pronounced pal (/pæl/ in IPA).
How do you use “pal” in a sentence?
Here is “pal” used in a sentence: “He grabbed a drink with his old college pals.”
What part of speech is “pal”?
“Pal” is a noun.
Where does the word “pal” come from?
The word “pal” comes from Sanskrit. Borrowed from Angloromani pal ("brother, friend"), from Romani phral, ultimately from the same Sanskrit root as "brother.".
Is “pal” a common word?
“Pal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pal” have?
“Pal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a friend; someone you're on close, casual terms with.
What is the difference between "pal" and "friend"?
"Pal" is an informal, friendly word for a friend, someone you are on close, casual terms with. "Friend" is the neutral, standard term and is suitable for any context, including formal ones.
What is the difference between "pal" and "buddy"?
Both "pal" and "buddy" are informal words for a friend. "Buddy" is especially common in American English, while "pal" is used across both British and American English.
Why can calling someone "pal" sound aggressive or sarcastic?
Besides meaning a friend, "pal" can be used to address someone in a sharp or challenging way, as in "Watch it, pal." Here the normally friendly word is used pointedly, so it comes across as a warning rather than a greeting.
