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.

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Relatively high valuations also limit the margin for error if macroeconomic conditions become more hostile.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Arteta has been trying to transform Emirates Stadium into a hostile environment as he looks to make the most of any marginal gain he can to bring silverware to north London.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Ford was openly hostile to Wall Street and famously resistant to shareholder pressure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

Reluctant to face hostile voters, the president began to feel like a prisoner in the White House.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

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