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

The mangoes’ mischief had struck again, and my neighborly gesture had gone completely left. —Dinkinish O’Connor, Saveur, 8 May 2025

In an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Cuomo expressed a neighborly view of the President. —Eric Lach, New Yorker, 5 May 2025

This will always result in all-around more understanding, neighborly relationships. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025

Call it the Brentwood paradox: elite but neighborly, plush yet practical. —Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 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