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.

In contrast to the hostile reception for Littler, Dutch duo Van Veen and Van Gerwen were roared on to the stage by the fans in Rotterdam.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

ICE agents, who often work in urban settings, had little prior experience handling hostile crowds.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

A hostile Iran will remain a constant tail-risk for the region even if the war ends, said Hamzeh Al Gaaod, an economist who focuses on the region.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Prior to that legislation, only a narrow set of federal agencies — Homeland Security, Justice, Defense — could legally interfere with a hostile drone.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

This was probably more than he’d bargained for: bright lights, too high, having to deal with a hostile adult.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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