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.

Afghan officials deny the charge and counter that Pakistan harbours hostile groups and does not respect its sovereignty.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

“I was looking out—something on the outside of the bed had tapped me,” he said, adding that he wasn’t scared because the presence didn’t feel hostile.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Overnight, her once warm, cozy street felt harsh and hostile.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

“The stalwarts of linear TV are really threatened by this new model, which is hostile to their very structure.”

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

This feels hostile, sounds like he’s upset about so much more than just these flyers.

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

Vocabulary lists containing hostile

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