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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.

Then it would need to be mechanically excavated from deep underground in the middle of hostile territory and could weigh 1,000 pounds.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

An audibly hostile Justice Neil Gorsuch was no less impressed.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Sherborne was then forced to treat Burrows as a witness who was hostile to their claim, rather than one who supported it.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Iranian military officials have claimed to control the waterway and attack vessels from "hostile" nations, but Kpler said some are risking the trip.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

When danger suddenly approached, he needed only to protect himself from a few of his subjects, but if he had had the common people hostile, this would not have been sufficient.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.