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.
Follow the neighborly writer of this newsletter on X and/or Threads @jimreineking 🧵. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 What started off as the neighborly thing to do has now devolved into you being used as a doormat. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 Almost 200 years ago, Alexis de Tocqueville spoke of the importance of social capital—the implicit community and neighborly trust that undergirds the fabric of American society and how respect for the rule of law rather than the law of rulers underlies our market economy and social harmony. Steven Tian, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024 The small cast, much like a small town, manages challenges with a neighborly wink. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near neighborly

Cite this Entry

“Neighborly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neighborly. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on neighborly

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!