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.

However, the army of Kuwait, which hosts a U.S. air base, confirmed that its air defenses were “confronting hostile missile and drone attacks” in a post on X late Wednesday night.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

“She walked into such a hostile environment,” said a former staffer for Raman, who asked for confidentiality to discuss dynamics on the council.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

"Many of them have been here for decades, paying taxes for decades," she added, condemning "a fearful and hostile environment across the country, and not only for the World Cup but every single day".

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Some see emails like this and conclude their boss could be hostile to them, leaving them fearful of losing promotion opportunities or worse.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

I do not mean to imply that every one of the 1,900 students there were hostile.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals

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