neighborly

1 of 2

adjective

neigh·​bor·​ly ˈnā-bər-lē 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of congenial neighbors

especially : friendly

a neighborly welcome

neighborliness noun

neighborliness

2 of 2

noun

neigh·​bor·​li·​ness

ˈnābə(r)lēnə̇s, 

-lin-

variants or British neighbourliness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being neighborly

Synonyms of neighborly

Adjective

• warm
• friendly
• gracious

Choose the Right Synonym for neighborly

amicable, neighborly, friendly mean exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism.

amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel.

maintained amicable relations

neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle.

neighborly concern

friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations.

sought friendly advice

Examples of neighborly in a Sentence

Adjective

She was friendly in a neighborly way.

they were neighborly folks, always ready to lend a helping hand whenever necessary

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Conversations brighten and slow down in the best way, inviting patient clarity with a more neighborly tone today. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026

Just keep him out of the National League West, because there’s no need to be neighborly. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 16 June 2026

In an ideal scenario, this also maintains neighborly communication. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026

Her dearest friends were some neighborly coconut crabs. — Kinsey Jasnoch, New Yorker, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1558, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

neighborly

adjective

neigh·​bor·​ly ˈnā-bər-lē 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of neighbors

especially : friendly

a neighborly welcome

neighborliness noun