as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another
reports of hostiles in the area kept the settlers on edge
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostiles
Noun
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While it’s commonly believed that cats and dogs are inherent enemies, the American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests that isn’t always the case.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025 -
Militaries are reviving old tactics with new technology, using decoys to confuse enemies and protect real weapons.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Those opponents cited massive price tags in other states with similar efforts, and have argued the accounts harm public schools.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
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The Texas quarterback and de facto royal family member struggled in the season opener at Ohio State, then racked up numbers against two of three lesser opponents.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Biden administration completed the reversion to a Cold War frame, declaring a global divide between democracies and autocracies, with China and Russia reprising their roles as principal foes.—
JENNIFER KAVANAGH,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Sep. 2025
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After a postseason race that went down to Game 162, the longtime foes are set to meet in a best-of-three Wild Card Series in New York, starting with Game 1 on Tuesday.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hostiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostiles. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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