Definitions

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.

Elsewhere, the Kuwaiti military said its air defences were engaging "hostile aerial targets".

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

No one has received a more hostile welcome in the high altitutde of the Azteca than the Americans who have been regular visitors here in World Cup qualifying.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

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

Given that hostile history, Steyer would enter the runoff as a distinct underdog, notwithstanding the many added millions he is poised to spend.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Surrounded on all sides by the Red Army and by units of the KGB, West Berlin floated like an island in a hostile, turbulent sea.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Vocabulary lists containing hostile

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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Some Tricky Homonyms

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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!