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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
reports of hostiles in the area kept the settlers on edge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hostile
Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Starmer faced a hostile Parliament Monday over his appointment of the disgraced Peter Mandelson as US ambassador; the premier blamed civil servants, a high-risk strategy given that one of those civil servants will be questioned by lawmakers today.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
Deputy District Attorney Scott Pirrello told jurors that Bushey had a history of acting hostile toward family members and that his sister’s abrupt presence in the home set him off, leading him to act out and her to fear for her safety.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Adjective
The suit claims the council retroactively changed the rules to accommodate Bonace's promotion and goes on to say Bonace's actions created a hostile work environment.
—Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Starmer faced a hostile Parliament Monday over his appointment of the disgraced Peter Mandelson as US ambassador; the premier blamed civil servants, a high-risk strategy given that one of those civil servants will be questioned by lawmakers today.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
But no one has just been out-and-out hostile to him.
—Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
Deputy District Attorney Scott Pirrello told jurors that Bushey had a history of acting hostile toward family members and that his sister’s abrupt presence in the home set him off, leading him to act out and her to fear for her safety.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostile
Adjective
-
While free cash flow was still negative in Q1, it was much improved from a year ago.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Sun says the type of content consumed can often have more of a negative impact than the length of screen time usage.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Among Jewish Democrats, opinion skews against AIPAC, with 37% having an unfavorable opinion and 29% favorable.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the unfavorable wind, the mark was more than 14 feet farther than the gold medal-winning throw at the Olympic Games two weeks later.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
However, unlike the first movie, the upcoming film will revolve around arch enemies Kent and Luthor working together to defeat an even more dangerous villain, Brainiac, who will be played by newcomer Lars Eidinger.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Throughout Orbán’s re-election campaign, the media controlled by his governing Fidesz party depicted Magyar as a reckless enemy of peace, bent on dragging Hungary into the war in neighboring Ukraine.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The charity seeks the court’s intervention, protection, and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership, and its strategic partners.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Regulation remains uneven, education is inconsistent, and the line between a manageable high and a harmful one isn’t always clear, especially for younger or inexperienced users.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The rollbacks included minimum wage requirements for home healthcare workers and people with disabilities, and rules governing exposure to harmful substances and safety procedures at mines.—
Seung Min Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dominating much of the second half, the Earthquakes finished a 4-1 winner against an opponent that was 9-1-1 at home against San Jose since 2018.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Her principal opponent in those years was Peggy Howe, her twin sister, born in Natick, Massachusetts, minutes after Betty was.—
John McPhee,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, and Menin, a moderate democrat, have developed an antagonistic relationship in their first months of leadership.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Federal efforts to kill the project California must also contend with a federal government antagonistic toward offshore wind.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Now, Denver appears primed to make another run at a title but will have to get through a familiar foe in Round 1 just to kick off its postseason party.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Jokic had 25 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and a bloody nose in a physical game between the Northwest Division foes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hostile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostile. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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