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

“It feels a little like an example of hostile architecture in the name of ‘public safety’ that seems to be happening everywhere,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

“The stalwarts of linear TV are really threatened by this new model, which is hostile to their very structure.”

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

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

From BBC • May 7, 2026

He wondered if it had mistaken him for some hostile animal, lurking down in the corn.

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill

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