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 more hostile the divorce, the more unusual both parties’ demands are likely to be,” said Alexander Schwartz, a Connecticut divorce attorney.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

In 2025, Canada canceled its popular annual showcase, after deciding that hostile policies made the risks not worth the rewards.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

In contrast to the hostile reception for Littler, Dutch duo Van Veen and Van Gerwen were roared on to the stage by the fans in Rotterdam.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

People view publishing these decks as a hostile act, and assume we’re not talking to banks behind the scenes, trying to convince them to take the right path.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

I could tell he was worried about Charles, and upset that he was so hostile and uncommunicative.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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