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 U.A.E.’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the strikes but pointed to previous statements in which it asserted its right to respond—including militarily—to hostile acts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

"At dawn today, the armed forces detected a number of hostile drones in Kuwaiti airspace, which were dealt with in accordance with established procedures," the military posted.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Calocane was described at this review as "guarded, curt, fixed staring and having a hostile edge to him".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Kainene looked Chief Okonji right in the eyes, with that stare that was so expressionless, so blank, that it was almost hostile.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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