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.

When Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Records, tried to tell Middle Tennessee State University graduates to embrace inevitable change, he too got a hostile reception.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

But why is he so hostile, and where has Lindsay seen him before?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

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

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Relatively high valuations also limit the margin for error if macroeconomic conditions become more hostile.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

It had ceased to be my childhood playground and had become its own reality, one whose physical laws were mysterious, hostile.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Vocabulary lists containing hostile

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Some Tricky Homonyms

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!