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.

U.S. aircraft reportedly took fire during the mission, underscoring the risks of operating deep inside hostile territory.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 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

Military operations are more complex than many people think, especially if they involve invading a hostile country and there aren’t many accessible bases in surrounding countries.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Sherborne was then forced to treat Burrows as a witness who was hostile to their claim, rather than one who supported it.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

A hostile spring further hampered the fair’s progress.

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

hostile

Example Sentences

Related Words