neighborliness 1 of 2

Definition of neighborlinessnext

neighborly

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective neighborly contrast with its synonyms?

The words amicable and friendly are common synonyms of neighborly. While all three words mean "exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism," neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle.

neighborly concern

When is amicable a more appropriate choice than neighborly?

The words amicable and neighborly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel.

maintained amicable relations

In what contexts can friendly take the place of neighborly?

The words friendly and neighborly can be used in similar contexts, but friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations.

sought friendly advice

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of neighborliness
Noun
This preservation is ensured through strict weavers’ guild regulations, a vigilant (both positive and negative) neighborliness, and careful resource management. Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026 Reviewing a bunch of doorbell camera footage leads Elsbeth and Donnelly to a conversation about varying definitions of neighborliness. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Conversation becomes your stage as the Full Moon blesses your 3rd House of Communication, inviting you to make a heartfelt call, accept (or offer) neighborly help, or present a creation of yours to others. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026 Dylan Redford and Harrison Fishman are heading back out to uncover more neighborly disputes. Peter White, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for neighborliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neighborliness
Noun
  • Meehan’s family soon moved to the Toures’ neighborhood, and the friendship deepened.
    Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The group chat, I’d argue, is where modern friendships actually live in their most potent day-to-day form—not at brunch, not at bars, not even at events like weddings or baby showers.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • State and federal taxes, seasonal demand and even more expensive fuel blends needed for warmer weather are all pieces of the pie.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • When the weather gets warm, nothing satisfies quite like cold noodles in iced broth.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • This is the generosity of Hamaguchi’s storytelling.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Saint Zdislava of Lemberk lived from 1220 to 1252 and was known for her generosity and work for the poor.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said his new government has summoned the Russian ambassador over a drone attack near Hungary’s border, in a significant shift from his predecessor Viktor Orbán’s friendly relations with Moscow.
    Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Once on the train, Janet’s forced friendliness toward Zack and his polite, cordial responses gradually ignite Krazy Kristen.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 May 2026
  • The service Staff are young, creative, attentive—balancing friendliness with just the right dose of Japan’s famed omotenashi hospitality.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Full-price items meet their most gracious price point for attainable at-home renos, and the sitewide sale prices finally make wedding registry shopping more affordable.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026
  • Sit for a spell on the gracious front porch or have a meal in the elegant onsite eatery.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The cordiality and handsome looks of the dining room are exquisite reminders of elaborate Milanese design.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Indianapolis didn't crack Nextdoor's list of the 20 friendliest cities in Indiana, but its separate ranking of neighborhoods in the Indy metro area finds plenty of cordiality in Central Indiana.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neighborliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neighborliness. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster