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
Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025
Although the attacker may not feel the same level of vitriol, a hostile reception at the London Stadium on September 13 would surely await him.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 8 July 2025
The Trump administration is broadly hostile to corporate climate commitments and environmental, social, and governance programs, which many companies are now trimming.
—Elizabeth Cline, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025
Guzman’s book was used as a common reader by several universities in 2024, reflecting ongoing concerns about the often hostile, partisan gaps that have roiled many campuses in recent years.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Adjective
Quesada said that as Florida faces growing health disparities, increasing patient needs and an increasingly hostile political environment, the merger will allow Planned Parenthood to provide care that reaches all 67 counties.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025
Although the attacker may not feel the same level of vitriol, a hostile reception at the London Stadium on September 13 would surely await him.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 8 July 2025
The Trump administration is broadly hostile to corporate climate commitments and environmental, social, and governance programs, which many companies are now trimming.
—Elizabeth Cline, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025
Guzman’s book was used as a common reader by several universities in 2024, reflecting ongoing concerns about the often hostile, partisan gaps that have roiled many campuses in recent years.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostile
Adjective
-
Another client taught me to rub Epsom salts under my armpits and feet to remove the day’s negative energy.—
Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton,
Denver Post,
10 July 2025
-
Not only are 22 rib eye steaks stolen from Aunt Orsa’s, but the restaurant becomes the target of a tirade of negative reviews — leading its namesake owner to wonder if they’re being sabotaged.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
In Wednesday’s poll, Mamdani had a higher net favorability rating (40% favorable to 36% unfavorable) than the net negative ratings of Cuomo (44% to 46%) and Adams (28% to 62%).—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
9 July 2025
-
The Mumsnet user then listed some recent unfavorable restaurant outings.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Trump appointed Bondi as attorney general after numerous reports suggested the president wanted a loyalist who would do his bidding and seek retribution against his enemies, after Trump faced pushback in his first term from previous attorneys general like William Barr.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Still, fun enemy designs – such as one pictured above based on the Hydnellum peckii (bleeding tooth fungus) – already started to come together.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Earth’s magnetic field naturally protects living things and Earth-orbiting satellites from most adverse effects of space weather.—
Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti,
The Conversation,
11 July 2025
-
Possible issues associated with consuming too much of the spice include allergic reactions (that can range from mild irritation to serious symptoms), stomach pain and potential adverse interactions with medications such as blood thinners.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
One of the most common and harmful examples is the Social Security Administration phishing scam, which targets unsuspecting individuals with alarming and deceptive messages.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
6 July 2025
-
Our students and their families will suffer because of the harmful provisions in this bill.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
This machinery radicalizes communities, recruits operatives, launders funds, and targets opponents abroad.—
Roya Boroumand,
Time,
9 July 2025
-
If Green is ready to make an impact as a rookie, the Ravens’ defense will be a handful for opponents.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
The proceedings in Congress leading up to the passage of the BBB were incredibly antagonistic between those with different views.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
The Trump team ignores that history, takes for granted all the benefits that a cooperative approach has yielded, and cannot envision a future in which other countries opt out of the existing U.S.-led international order or construct a new one that would be antagonistic to American interests.—
KORI SCHAKE,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
At the same time, Trump touts his Golden Dome missile shield, meant to protect the homeland and give America greater freedom of action against its foes.—
Hal Brands,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
-
Again, funny, but offers no hint as to the future of Superman or his various friends and foes in the DC Comics film adaptations.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hostile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostile. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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