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.

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

In 2019, hostile attorneys questioned Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton about his conduct as a lawyer: Had he turned over a former client’s communications to an attorney suing that client?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Three staff members have filed civil rights complaints describing a hostile work environment, the Times reported.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

In 2025, Canada canceled its popular annual showcase, after deciding that hostile policies made the risks not worth the rewards.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

A hostile spring further hampered the fair’s progress.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Vocabulary lists containing hostile

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