Found 20 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.
Casual
Nuance: Casual
Casual.
Boring
My friend sat with me at lunch and shared his chips.
Better
My pal sat with me at lunch and shared his chips.
Casual
Nuance: Casual
Casual.
Boring
My friend waited for me after class so we could walk home together.
Better
My buddy waited for me after class so we could walk home together.
British casual
Nuance: Casual
Common in British English.
Boring
My friend cheered for me at the game and yelled my name.
Better
My mate cheered for me at the game and yelled my name.
Playful greeting
Nuance: Friendly
Playful; Spanish word used casually.
Boring
I waved to my friend in the hallway and asked about the test.
Better
I waved to my amigo in the hallway and asked about the test.
Slang (very close)
Nuance: Close
Slang for a very close friend.
Boring
I called my friend after school to share the news first.
Better
I called my bestie after school to share the news first.
Slang (close)
Nuance: Close
Slang; casual and informal.
Boring
My friend helped me study for the test when I felt stuck.
Better
My homie helped me study for the test when I felt stuck.
Slang (often male)
Nuance: Male
Slang; often used for a male friend.
Boring
My friend sat with me at lunch and made me laugh.
Better
My bro sat with me at lunch and made me laugh.
Kids
Nuance: Play
Best for young children playing together.
Boring
When we were little, my friend and I built forts in the backyard.
Better
When we were little, my playmate and I built forts in the backyard.
Team
Nuance: Team
Use for someone you work with on a task.
Boring
In the lab, my friend checked the measurements while I wrote notes.
Better
In the lab, my partner checked the measurements while I wrote notes.
Travel/Life
Nuance: Together
More formal; someone who goes with you.
Boring
On the long hike, my friend stayed close and kept talking so we didn’t get bored.
Better
On the long hike, my companion stayed close and kept talking so we didn’t get bored.
Support
Nuance: Support
Use for someone who supports you in a conflict or cause.
Boring
During the debate, my friend backed me up when others disagreed.
Better
During the debate, my ally backed me up when others disagreed.
Work
Nuance: Work
Work relationship.
Boring
I asked a friend to review my email before I sent it to the boss.
Better
I asked a colleague to review my email before I sent it to the boss.
Business/Ties
Nuance: Business
Formal; a connection
Boring
not necessarily close.
Better
At the meeting, she introduced him as an associate from her previous job.
Known
Nuance: Not close
Not close.
Boring
He is a friend from school, so we say hi but don’t hang out.
Better
He is an acquaintance from school, so we say hi but don’t hang out.
Old-fashioned friendly
Nuance: Old
Old-fashioned; playful tone.
Boring
I texted my friend about homework and asked what page we were on.
Better
I texted my chum about homework and asked what page we were on.
Shared cause
Nuance: Brotherhood
Often political or military; shared cause.
Boring
In the protest, she stood beside her friend and held the sign high.
Better
In the protest, she stood beside her comrade and held the sign high.
Helper
Nuance: Helper
Often in stories; helper to the main character.
Boring
In the story, the hero’s friend carried the map and cracked jokes.
Better
In the story, the hero’s sidekick carried the map and cracked jokes.
Deep bond
Nuance: Deep
Can be romantic or very close friendship; use carefully.
Boring
She felt like her friend understood her without having to explain much.
Better
She felt like her soulmate understood her without having to explain much.
Secrets
Nuance: Secrets
Trusted with private information.
Boring
Her friend listened quietly and kept the secret safe.
Better
Her confidante listened quietly and kept the secret safe.
Negative friendship
Nuance: Corrupt
Negative; suggests dishonest friendship.
Boring
The mayor rewarded his friends with special favors and jobs.
Better
The mayor rewarded his cronies with special favors and jobs.