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
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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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hostile
Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Given the hostile environment, some workers are giving up and going home.
—Steve Lopez, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
As things get bloody and a ragtag team of heroes tries to contain the hostile lifeforms, Prodigy and other corporations rush to grab and study the alien visitors.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 June 2025
The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET and Pacers fans are sure to bring the energy and create a hostile atmosphere for New York.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Adjective
The prosecution accused Wong, 28, of conspiring with fellow activist Nathan Law and others to ask foreign countries, institutions, organizations or individuals outside of China to impose sanctions or blockades, or engage in other hostile actions, against Hong Kong and China.
—Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Given the hostile environment, some workers are giving up and going home.
—Steve Lopez, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
As things get bloody and a ragtag team of heroes tries to contain the hostile lifeforms, Prodigy and other corporations rush to grab and study the alien visitors.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 June 2025
The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET and Pacers fans are sure to bring the energy and create a hostile atmosphere for New York.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostile
Adjective
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There is no denying that tariffs come with a net negative cost to the consumer and economic surplus overall.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
4 June 2025
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Meanwhile, polls show that Trump continues to face strong headwinds on the issue of inflation, with net approval ratings on the topic deeply negative—despite attempts by his administration to scale back tariffs, having paused the majority of them.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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But at a time when student-athletes’ rights prevail and provide the freedom to change schools and cash in, coaches aim to regain control and curtail roster movement — even at the expense of a player in an unfavorable situation.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 May 2025
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The reality is that an underdeveloped supply chain and unfavorable economics are far larger factors.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Watch Prey on Hulu Predator The original Predator movie is set in the present day (which would be 1987) and follows a paramilitary rescue team who quickly discovers that rebel forces in the South American jungle aren’t their most dangerous enemy.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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As the resupply convoys approach the forward locations, they are frequently targeted and destroyed by enemy drones.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The consequences are both deeply personal and widely systemic: Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed, experience adverse drug reactions, and face delays in care.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Mifepristone is currently part of that program, though a wealth of research has shown that less than 0.5% of women who take it have serious adverse reactions.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
Some of these harmful ideologies might be downstream of these larger root causes.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 May 2025
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China has gone even further, requiring digital watermarks on synthetic media and directing platforms to swiftly remove harmful content — part of its broader strategy of centralized content control.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
His main opponent, former radio host Bill Spadea, has painted himself as a Trump loyalist.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
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The Padres threaded the needle between letting the game come to them and taking it to their opponent in yesterday’s seventh inning.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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For example, the antagonistic alien brute Captain Gantu is left out.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
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In Nine Perfect Strangers, tension emerges from the slightly antagonistic forces that both revere and challenge Masha’s notions.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Eventually, even the foes of the tolling will realize that Prof. Vickrey was correct and that everyone is better off.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2025
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The Spartans swept all three foes by 7-0 scores to become the first school in league history to win four consecutive state tennis crowns.—
Dave Wright,
Twin Cities,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hostile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostile. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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