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.

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

Given that hostile history, Steyer would enter the runoff as a distinct underdog, notwithstanding the many added millions he is poised to spend.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 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

However, the army of Kuwait, which hosts a U.S. air base, confirmed that its air defenses were “confronting hostile missile and drone attacks” in a post on X late Wednesday night.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 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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