1
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling
the unfriendly looks quickly warmed when we were recognized as long-unseen relatives
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
an unfriendly nation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfriendly
Their heavy reliance on cars creates environments unfriendly for pedestrians or building communities.
—
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
If Trump’s current hostility to alliances continues and the administration keeps insulting, belittling, and even economically harming its long-standing partners, the United States is going to find the world an increasingly unfriendly place.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
The decision now facing President Donald Trump on Iran over whether to try to overthrow an unfriendly government is one that previous commanders-in-chief have wrestled with in countries from Iraq to Cuba − often with catastrophic consequences.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Put differently, an unintended consequence of restricting access to technology to potentially unfriendly countries might not only hamper one of the U.S.′ most successful companies.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
If Trump’s current hostility to alliances continues and the administration keeps insulting, belittling, and even economically harming its long-standing partners, the United States is going to find the world an increasingly unfriendly place.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
The decision now facing President Donald Trump on Iran over whether to try to overthrow an unfriendly government is one that previous commanders-in-chief have wrestled with in countries from Iraq to Cuba − often with catastrophic consequences.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Put differently, an unintended consequence of restricting access to technology to potentially unfriendly countries might not only hamper one of the U.S.′ most successful companies.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
Adjective
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Gelato is very similar to ice cream, but only relies on milk instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter, icier texture than traditional homemade ice cream.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
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Stock tip: Migrate to icier territories… Aston Villa 6/1 Last five results: WLWWW A two-goal deficit to overcome in the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week likely spells the end of Villa’s European aspirations.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In recent weeks, both have also moved military forces to the border near Assab and are engaging in escalating exchanges of hostile rhetoric.—
Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe,
Foreign Affairs,
5 Aug. 2025
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Meanwhile, Trump has moved closer to Pakistan, with which India has hostile relations and the U.S. has historically had a complex and sometimes tense relationship, especially as Pakistan has grown closer to and is primarily armed by China.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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At the constitutionally minimal age of 25, Cawthorn was among the youngest House members ever and drew negative headlines over several scandals, embarrassing videos, unhinged rhetoric, and run-ins with the law.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Aug. 2025
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At these meetings, all manner of data were discussed and analyzed, resulting in strategies to combat negative trends.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Both surfaces are covered with exotic ices, and an understanding of their properties at the frigid temperatures on Pluto would be a key component of the mission.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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The room covered in white snow is kept at a frigid 10 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, which honestly feels amazing after being in the Florida heat.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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By August, those numbers had shifted to 33 percent favorable and 65 percent unfavorable.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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Unlike in the United States, statistical agency commissioners in these countries cannot be fired simply for producing unfavorable economic data.—
Brent Dykes,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Investigators were then able to tie the boot to a cold case disappearance from September 1997.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
6 Aug. 2025
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The Sanctuary wellness retreat will feature fitness studios, cold plunge pools, saunas and massage rooms.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviors displayed in private.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Studies show that drinking prune juice can reduce constipation symptoms without triggering adverse side effects like gas and loose stools.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Snowy, cold winter expected in Kentucky following historic 2025 weather While winter doesn't officially begin until the winter solstice on December 21, the Farmer's Almanac is already predicting a chilly, snowy season for much of the country, including Kentucky.—
Marina Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
13 Aug. 2025
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Plunging into the chilly waters off the western coast of Canada, a pair of scuba divers swam along the seafloor near an octopus.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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