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.

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

Being on the road and in a hostile environment is something that Ayton also is looking forward to.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

In 2019, hostile attorneys questioned Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton about his conduct as a lawyer: Had he turned over a former client’s communications to an attorney suing that client?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

She did not speak to either of her parents as they left the house, Ben filling in for her hostile silences by exuberantly bidding the Matthews farewell again and again.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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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