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.

Local media in Iran that a "hostile drone" was shot down over Tehran by air defences.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 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

The Trojans made themselves at home while playing in one of the SEC’s most hostile environments.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

However it was Sooryavanshi's ability to stand up to some hostile fast bowling which caught the eye with former West Indies paceman Ian Bishop saying some teams are already "down to Plan Z" against him.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Derrick’s eyes were hostile over the horizon of fabric.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

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

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