UNFRIENDLY Synonyms: 229 Similar and Opposite Words

unfriendly

adjective

ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē

as in icy

lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling the unfriendly looks quickly warmed when we were recognized as long-unseen relatives

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will an unfriendly nation

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as in negative

opposed to one's interests the claim that the state's numerous regulations create a climate unfriendly to small businesses

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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 unfriendly The designation is usually reserved for firms in unfriendly countries, such as China’s Huawei, and theoretically means Anthropic cannot work with any companies with military contracts. —

Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026 While not gruff or unfriendly, the serious New York restaurateur carries a distinct tone of getting down to business, even when casually chatting about how the show has changed over time. —

Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026 Compared with other cities, the model was less likely to associate Austin with being boring, stingy or unfriendly. —

Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026 And the narrative around this state — high-tax, highly regulated, unfriendly to business — badly needs changing. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfriendly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly

Adjective

There are stories of a knife-wielding, bride-killing monster lurking in the woods, which Nicky’s big brother (Jeff Wilbusch’s icy Jules) may or may not have encountered as a child.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026
McKenna was reported missing on March 15 in Sioux Falls, while a significant early spring snowstorm brought in anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of snow, strong winds and icy roads across the eastern part of the state.

— Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 26 Mar. 2026