Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective neighborly contrast with its synonyms?

The words amicable and friendly are common synonyms of neighborly. While all three words mean "exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism," neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle.

neighborly concern

When is amicable a more appropriate choice than neighborly?

The words amicable and neighborly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel.

maintained amicable relations

In what contexts can friendly take the place of neighborly?

The words friendly and neighborly can be used in similar contexts, but friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations.

sought friendly advice

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of neighborly 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 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neighborly
Adjective
  • The art infuses the room, outfitted in warm neutrals, with rich color.
    Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Low temperatures could rise as a warm rain system crosses the Valley, Purdue said, while high temperatures are expected to remain typical.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Ichiro, who was elected to the hall in Cooperstown, New York, with 99.7% of the vote, addressed the journalist during a news conference on his election Thursday, extending a friendly invitation.
    Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The first international match of the year for Costa Rica is here, and they're headed to Orlando's Inter & Co Stadium on Wednesday to take on the USA in what's shaping up to be a lively friendly.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Samia is quick to accept the break-up, even gracious.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This is a commercial transaction, but even commercial transactions can be gracious — if everyone knows the rules and abides by them.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near neighborly

Cite this Entry

“Neighborly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neighborly. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on neighborly

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