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hostiles

noun

plural of hostile
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hostiles Reacher counts 13 hostiles in his surveillance of this makeshift WMD lab. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostiles
  1. enemies
  2. opponents
  3. foes
Noun
  • What’s more, the blast would perhaps be visible on Earth, boosting morale at home and cowing our enemies abroad.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • He is joined by allies and enemies like Jean Grey, Sabretooth, Bolivar Trask and more.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of enemies
Noun
  • Merger opponents planned a Sunday evening rally outside Bonta’s offices in Oakland to encourage him to stand tough.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • This tied the court between reformers and their opponents, leaving Arévalo without a reliable majority.
    — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of opponents
Noun
  • The two teams are GCAC Red foes, but this was designated as a nonconference match.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Known as Dick Capen to friends and foes, the publisher ventured out of his secure glass-cage office that was tucked out of sight in the Herald’s former Biscayne Bay-front headquarters.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of foes

Browse Nearby Words

hostilely
hostiles
hostilities
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Cite this Entry

“Hostiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostiles. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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