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
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.
Metis was also the warren of narrow city streets, perhaps built over old cow paths, that both represented and generated a thick network of intimate and practical neighborly relationships. Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 The neighborly sentiment has soured Andrew Esp is one of the many Canadians choosing to spend their travel dollars in their own country, or in Mexico, Europe, or the Caribbean instead of the U.S. Charmaine Noronha, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025 In it, a disturbance causes a home to drift through the clouds, casting a shadow over friends, an elderly couple, and other neighborly folks. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2025 Not every neighborly interaction is negative however. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neighborly

Word History

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neighborly was in 1558

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neighborly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neighborly. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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
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!