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.

They say they will "defend the rights of migrants and stand up against the Hostile Environment created by politicians in Westminster".

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Hostile architecture and novel ways of trying to disperse homeless people have become somewhat common in L.A. in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2025

Hostile drones come in all shapes, sizes, speeds and altitudes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 18, 2025

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Some Tricky Homonyms

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!