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.

To live openly as an LGBTQ+ person in a hostile culture is to choose authenticity over safety, and truth over social reward.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

He told CBS News on Friday: "The environment is so hostile that anything can happen."

From BBC • May 29, 2026

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

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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