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.

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

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Being on the road and in a hostile environment is something that Ayton also is looking forward to.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Analyst Anthony Moulder says it’s an approach made only by those that are hostile from the outset.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

The use of proxies by hostile states to carry out attacks in the UK is a "growing concern", the prime minister has said.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 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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