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Showing results for hostile. Search instead for hostle.
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.

The exact circumstances remain unclear, but the operation to extract him from the ground in hostile territory was hugely complex.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Then it would need to be mechanically excavated from deep underground in the middle of hostile territory and could weigh 1,000 pounds.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Gulf states that support military action feel that the consequences of having a hostile neighbor controlling such a vital conduit make it worth the risk, the Arab officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

An audibly hostile Justice Neil Gorsuch was no less impressed.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

A hostile spring further hampered the fair’s progress.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.