Adjacent (12)
There are a few possibilities for this:
neighbouring
'adjacent' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for near that I've seen before include "(Get) close to" , "Miserly; approach" , "Close in time or space" , "Verging on" , "Miserly and proximate" .)
'adjacent' is the definition.
(synonyms)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for next that I've seen before include "Closest" , "Nearest in space or position" , "Immediately following in time or order" , "Proximate" , "The second cherry stone on the plate" .)
(Other definitions for neighbouring that I've seen before include "Adjacent, nearby" , "Adjoining" .)