neighborly

adjective

neigh·​bor·​ly ˈnā-bər-lē 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of congenial neighbors

especially : friendly

a neighborly welcome

neighborliness noun

Synonyms of neighborly

• 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

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

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

Kumail Nanjiani weaponizes workplace desperation into vibrant tension as rival Toyota salesman Peyton, while Kate Berlant and Colin Jost elevate the surrounding community of neighborly archetypes through charisma alone. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 May 2026

The American Enterprise Institute report attributed Americans’ declining propensity for neighborly chit-chat to people spending more time at home and indoors, and less time outside or in public gathering spaces. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 May 2026

That’s the neighborly thing to do. —Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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