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.

The foreign ministry called on "Iraq to prevent all hostile acts originating from its territory urgently and without conditions".

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

The Ngarchelongese were initially hostile because they thought the whalers were English.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

The King's Speech contained proposed legislation to tackle threats from hostile states and people planning mass violence.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Overnight, her once warm, cozy street felt harsh and hostile.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

It had ceased to be my childhood playground and had become its own reality, one whose physical laws were mysterious, hostile.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

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