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 China is a major player in terms of investments, in terms of neighborly relations. Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2023 There’s an endearing neighborly vibe among Bubby’s customers. Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 25 July 2023 What starts as a stupid little joke, or some kind of neighborly hazing, quickly transforms into an act of outright cruelty. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2023 And yet, despite the weighty subject matter, any trace of self-seriousness is dispelled by the production’s sardonic wit and chatty, neighborly warmth. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 26 June 2023 Community interests are advanced by member communication (websites, newsletters) and may cause a board to occasionally issue a warning before citing members regarding violations, or to plan and fund community social events to promote neighborly interaction. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2023 The harm Miss Manners foresees is to neighborly relations when the owner feels trespassed upon. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 19 July 2023 Climate change has buffeted Vermont again, but the neighborly people here abide and will be ready for the next one. Anne Galloway, The New Republic, 13 July 2023 And of course, I got offered a puff on a J by headband-wearing dude with a neighborly smile. Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 12 July 2023 See More

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 2 Oct. 2023.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!