Definitions

hostile

[hos-tl, -tahyl] / ˈhɒs tl, -taɪl /

ADJECTIVE

antagonistic, mean

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adverse belligerent bitter contentious contrary hateful inhospitable inimical nasty opposed unfavorable unfriendly unsympathetic

STRONG

alien anti catty chill cold militant opposite sour

WEAK

allergic argumentative bellicose competitive disapproving dour ill-disposed malevolent malicious malignant oppugnant ornery pugnacious rancorous scrappy spiteful surly unkind unpropitious unsociable unwelcoming viperous virulent vitriolic warlike

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable aiding favorable friendly good helpful helping hospitable kind nice pleasant wonderful

STRONG

hot sympathetic warm

WEAK

gentle welcoming

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hostile policies hold the promise of a seller’s market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Hostile states are increasingly using proxies to carry out acts of sabotage and targeted violence in the UK, counter-terror police said, adding that investigating such activity now accounts for about 20% of their workload.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

Hostile animatronics are on the loose in the surprisingly gory kids flick “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” about a sinister pizza joint whose anthropomorphic mascots become sentient after hours.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Hostile groups of other people have long been a threat to humans.

From Scientific American • Oct. 27, 2023

“Social isolation? Hostile atmosphere? Are you saying that Julian was the only kid who wasn’t nice to this boy? Or are you suspending every kid who stuck his tongue out at this kid?”

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio

Vocabulary lists containing hostile

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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