You know that feeling when you call someone your buddy? It's all about having a friend, pal, or mate you can trust and hang out with. Whether it's a close companion or just a friendly acquaintance, there are many fun words to say buddy.
1. Friend
A friend is someone you trust and enjoy spending time with. Friends help you when you're down and celebrate good times with you. For example, "My friend helped me study for the test." Friends come in all shapes and sizes, but they always make life better. Calling someone a friend shows you care and value their company. It's a simple and warm word everyone knows. Whether you've known them for years or just met, a friend is a special person in your life.
2. Pal
A pal is an easygoing word for a friend. It's like saying buddy but with a fun twist. For example, "I went fishing with my pal last weekend." Pals are people you enjoy hanging out with, sharing laughs and stories. You don't need to be super close, but pals are good company. Using pal feels casual and friendly. It's perfect when you talk about someone you like spending time with but maybe aren't best friends yet. It's a great word for everyday friendship.
3. Mate
The word mate is popular in places like the UK and Australia, meaning a friend or companion. For example, "She is my best mate from school." Mates are people you trust and enjoy being around. It's a warm and casual way to say friend. People often use mate when talking about close pals or teammates. It shows friendliness and loyalty. When you call someone your mate, you're saying they're important and fun to be with, like your buddy in any adventure.
4. Chum
A chum is an old-fashioned, charming word for a close friend or buddy. For example, "We've been chums since childhood." Chum shows a deep friendship that's lasted a long time. It sounds friendly and a bit nostalgic. Using chum is like saying you have a trusted companion who's always there. It's perfect when you want to describe a friendship that's cozy and reliable. Chums share good times, secrets, and fun memories. It's a lovely way to talk about a special buddy.
5. Companion
A companion is someone who stays with you and shares experiences. For example, "He was my companion on the long trip." Companions are not just friends but people who support you. It's a bit formal but shows a strong connection. A companion can be a travel buddy, a pet, or a friend who's always by your side. The word means being together and sharing moments. Calling someone a companion shows respect and appreciation for their presence in your life.
6. Sidekick
A sidekick is a buddy who supports you and sticks close. For example, "Batman always had Robin as his sidekick." Sidekicks help out and make things fun. They're like partners in crime, always ready to jump in. The word feels playful and energetic. Sidekicks can be friends who are always around, joining you in adventures or daily life. It's a special kind of buddy who's loyal and helpful. Using sidekick shows you see your friend as your trusty partner.
7. Ally
An ally is a friend who supports and defends you. For example, "She is my ally in group projects." Allies stand by your side and help you face challenges. It's often used in serious or important situations but still means friendship. Allies share trust and respect. Calling someone your ally means they are more than just a buddy—they're someone who has your back. It's a strong, supportive word that highlights loyalty and teamwork.
8. Partner
A partner is someone who works or shares things with you. For example, "He is my business partner and good buddy." Partners team up in work, games, or life. It means sharing goals and supporting each other. A partner can be a friend, teammate, or even someone you trust in a project. The word shows cooperation and friendship together. Calling someone a partner means you rely on them and enjoy working side by side. It's a great word for a close buddy.
9. Amigo
Amigo is the Spanish word for friend, used casually in English too. For example, "Hola, amigo! Let's hang out." It's a fun and friendly way to say buddy. Amigo adds a cultural twist and sounds warm and welcoming. People use it to greet or talk about good friends. It's informal and lively, perfect for a close friend or buddy. Saying amigo shows friendliness and easygoing vibes, making any conversation feel chill and fun.
10. Comrade
A comrade is a friend who shares your goals or struggles. For example, "They were comrades during the campaign." It's often used for people working or fighting together. Comrades trust and support each other in tough times. The word feels strong and serious but still means buddy or friend. Calling someone a comrade shows respect and connection. It's great when you want to say your buddy is loyal and stands with you no matter what.
11. Confidant
A confidant is a friend you trust with your secrets. For example, "She is my closest confidant." Confidants listen and keep your private thoughts safe. They are special buddies you feel comfortable sharing with. The word shows trust and closeness beyond regular friendship. When you call someone your confidant, you mean they're very important in your life. It's a word for deep friendship where honesty and support matter most.
12. Homie
A homie is a casual word for a close friend, often used in urban slang. For example, "My homie and I went to the game together." Homies are buddies from your neighborhood or circle. The word feels cool, relaxed, and informal. It shows friendship that's comfortable and easy. Using homie means you have a friendly bond and enjoy hanging out. It's popular among younger people and in casual chats about friends.
13. Acquaintance
An acquaintance is someone you know but aren't very close with. For example, "He's more of an acquaintance than a buddy." Acquaintances are friendly but not best friends. They're people you meet at work, school, or social events. The word shows a lighter connection than buddy or friend. Calling someone an acquaintance means you know them but don't share deep secrets or time. It's useful when you want to describe someone you like but aren't very close to.
14. Bestie
A bestie is your very best friend. For example, "My bestie knows all my secrets." Besties are buddies you trust completely and share everything with. The word feels warm, fun, and loving. Besties support each other in every situation. Using bestie shows you have a special friendship that's close and meaningful. It's popular among kids and teens but anyone can use it to show strong friendship. Calling someone your bestie means they are your favorite buddy.
15. Bro
Bro is a casual and friendly word for a male buddy. For example, "What's up, bro? Let's hang out." Bros are close friends, often guys, who share fun times and support. The word is short, cool, and easygoing. It shows brotherly friendship and casual bonding. Bros help each other and enjoy good times. Using bro is common in everyday talk between friends. It's a quick way to say buddy with a friendly vibe.
16. BFF
BFF stands for Best Friend Forever. For example, "She is my BFF since childhood." BFFs are buddies you promise to be close with always. The word feels fun and strong. BFFs share secrets, joys, and support. Calling someone your BFF means you value their friendship deeply. It's a popular phrase among young people and anyone who wants to show a close, lasting friendship. BFF is all about loyalty and caring.
17. Associate
An associate is someone you work or connect with, but may not be very close to. For example, "He is my associate at work." Associates share tasks or interests but aren't always personal buddies. The word is more formal and shows a working relationship. Calling someone an associate means you know them professionally or casually. It's useful when talking about people you meet through work or activities but don't hang out with all the time.
18. Crony
A crony is a close friend, often used for someone you hang with a lot. For example, "He's one of my oldest cronies." Cronies share time, fun, and sometimes secrets. The word sounds casual and a bit old-fashioned. It can sometimes have a joking or negative tone if used about unfair friendships. But mostly, crony means a buddy you trust and enjoy. Using crony is like saying you have a regular pal or companion.

Final Thoughts
These 18 synonyms for buddy give you many fun ways to talk about friends. Whether you say pal, mate, or bestie, each word has its own feel. Some are casual, some serious, but all show connection. Using different words helps you express how close or fun your friendship is. Next time you talk about your buddy, pick a word that fits the vibe best. Friends make life great, and having many ways to say it makes talking about them even better!