hostile 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhä-stᵊl How to pronounce hostile (audio)
Definition of hostilenext
1
as in negative
marked by opposition or ill will the suggestions for change were given a hostile reception by some of the longtime employees

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unfavorable
opposed to one's interests the company's president vows to fight the hostile takeover by the giant corporation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hostile

2 of 2

noun

as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another reports of hostiles in the area kept the settlers on edge

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hostile
Adjective
Prime examples are the administration's attempt to deny medical research grants to Harvard University, and other attempts to deny security clearances to law firms, as well as seeking money damages from law firms Trump views as hostile. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026 In a hostile divorce proceeding, the first camp to attack has a major advantage. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
During the recent demonstration test, the Bird of Prey took off from a launch cradle, and once in the air was able to autonomously search for, detect, and classify a target drone standing in for a hostile. — David Szondy april 04, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026 But no one has just been out-and-out hostile to him. — Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hostile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostile
  1. negative
  2. unfavorable
  3. enemy
  4. adverse
  5. harmful
  6. opponent
  7. antagonistic
  8. foe
Adjective
  • Multifamily apartment REITs are still in negative territory, as the sector continues to work through a period of oversupply and weaker rents.
    — Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Ultimately, the result is a negative impact on a learning experience that students will be paying for into their 60s.
    — Reynald Fasciaux, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • The polling situation was similarly unfavorable to Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 and 2018 elections, but relatively minor in comparison with the disparity in tonight's electoral results.
    — David Unsworth, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • None of those circumstances turns an unfavorable employment decision into an unlawful one automatically.
    — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Noun
  • Drawing on authoritarianism scholars, the piece contends that linking criticism of Trump to hostility toward America can stigmatize dissent and make opponents appear to be enemies of the country.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • One of them, journalist Tomas, goes public with the information, unleashing powerful enemies.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of enemy
Adjective
  • Retaliation is described as an adverse employment action connected to an activity protected by a law under its jurisdiction.
    — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Eating Sweetened Foods With Protein Eating protein alongside sugary snacks can help stabilize your blood sugar and minimize the spikes that lead to a host of adverse health effects.
    — Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • While the baits are not harmful to pets, eating several may cause mild stomach upset.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The film primarily follows Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), a Facebook employee in the company’s civic integrity team, the group tasked with making sure Facebook acts responsibly and avoids the harmful impacts of its product.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of harmful
Noun
  • Chuck Sargent Houston USC executes yet another belly flop against a top opponent, and Gary Patterson’s vaunted defense is giving up more than 35 points per game in the Big Ten.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The measure has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters arguing that early intervention could reduce per-student costs over time and opponents saying property owners already face rising costs and the district should use existing resources.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of opponent
Adjective
  • Related Stories Additionally, Flanagan was interested in recruiting Sloyan to play Carrie’s religious and antagonistic mother, Margaret White, unforgettably played by Piper Laurie in the film.
    — William Earl, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Without the United States acting as mediator, Japan’s cooperation with South Korea could also erode, leading Tokyo and Seoul to revert to their more traditionally antagonistic relationship.
    — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of antagonistic
Noun
  • Familiar foes The Dodgers and Brewers are meeting in the postseason for the fourth time — all since 2018.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • With a 4-3 loss in Game 3 of the 2026 ALDS, the Yankees’ season ended with an AL East foe partying at their place once again on Wednesday.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of foe

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hostesses
hostile
hostilely
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Cite this Entry

“Hostile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostile. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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