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

There’s a bit of neighborly debate surrounding the proper preparation of chilaquiles. —Edmund Tijerina, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025

Not every neighborly interaction is negative however. —Rachel Flynn, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025

What was once a friendly, neighborly rivalry on the ice has become a high-stakes political showdown in Thursday night's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament championship hockey game between the U.S. and Canada. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

In the 2016 version, Doug goes from fish out of water to a good-natured, neighborly type who manages to find common ground with others on the game show. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 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