neighborly

adjective

neigh·​bor·​ly ˈnā-bər-lē How to pronounce neighborly (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of congenial neighbors
especially : friendly
a neighborly welcome
neighborliness noun
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

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 This neighborly atmosphere is what produces a hotel scene unrivaled by any other city in the South. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 In the weekend following Valentine's Day, motorists can continue to spread neighborly love and avoid accidents by staying informed of notable road closures along Interstate 10, U.S. 60, Loop 101 and Loop 202. Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2024 The issue has been divisive enough that it’s made the county a less neighborly place. USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2024 Welcome to the Eagle home of Dario and Cheryl Bell — a pleasant, easygoing couple who may at first strike you as just regular neighborly folks. Dusty Parnell, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 This fresh face manages the neat trick of marrying sophistication with neighborly charm. 2002 P St. NW. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 24 Jan. 2024 Grassroots prescribed burn associations across the American South are restoring an ecosystem for the longleaf pine – as well as strengthening ecological resilience and neighborly ties. James Pollard, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Dec. 2023 Today, polls show that older Americans are more likely to have neighborly connections. Sophie Hills, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2023 While most would define Southern hospitality as being neighborly and welcoming family, friends, and, yes, even strangers into our homes, the catch-all term comes with myriad definitions. Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neighborly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neighborly was in 1558

Dictionary Entries Near neighborly

Cite this Entry

“Neighborly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neighborly. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

neighborly

adjective
neigh·​bor·​ly ˈnā-bər-lē How to pronounce neighborly (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of neighbors
especially : friendly
a neighborly welcome
neighborliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on neighborly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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