neighborly

adjective

neigh·​bor·​ly ˈnā-bər-lē 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of congenial neighbors

especially : friendly

a neighborly welcome

neighborliness noun

Synonyms

• amicable
• bonhomous
• buddy-buddy
• chummy
• collegial
• companionable
• comradely
• cordial
• friendly
• genial
• hail-fellow
• hail-fellow-well-met
• hearty
• matey [chiefly British]
• palsy
• palsy-walsy [slang]
• warm
• warmhearted

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

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

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