1
as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
received an inimical response rather than the anticipated support
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adverse
opposed to one's interests
laws designed to enhance national security that some regard as inimical to cherished freedoms
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inimical
Or reform of a tax system that is complex, regressive, and inimical to growth.
—
Anand Menon, Time, 18 Oct. 2025
The spiral of silence therefore becomes inimical to pluralistic debate, discussion and, ultimately, to democracy itself.
—James L. Gibson, The Conversation, 26 June 2025
The partnership model’s annual distribution of funds is inimical to long-term investment.
—Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Monk previously pleaded guilty to one gross misdemeanor count of driving after cancellation after being deemed inimical to the public safety.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inimical
Anand Menon, Time, 18 Oct. 2025
The spiral of silence therefore becomes inimical to pluralistic debate, discussion and, ultimately, to democracy itself.
—James L. Gibson, The Conversation, 26 June 2025
The partnership model’s annual distribution of funds is inimical to long-term investment.
—Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Monk previously pleaded guilty to one gross misdemeanor count of driving after cancellation after being deemed inimical to the public safety.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inimical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inimical
Adjective
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Deery believes that decline can be attributed in part to prospective students and parents feeling like campuses are hostile to those who don't hold a liberal-leaning worldview.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
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For some unexplained reason, if such an event continues for a prolonged period, citizens can often become inexplicably hostile.—
Wayne Chan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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There are various pieces of gear designed for skiing in adverse avalanche conditions, Antibus said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
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Just under 6% of the 3,770 cases the board closed in 2024 resulted in adverse public action, according to the board’s annual report.—
Amber Gaudet
Updated February 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Nestle, which makes Guigoz in France and SMA in the UK, said Thursday that stock shortages and returns of some formula products would have a marginally negative impact on its sales volumes this year.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Kennedy gets praise in some quarters for his campaign against food preservatives, but on balance his prescriptions have been far more negative than positive for the public interest.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Seedlings sometimes spend too much time in pots if they are started too early, particularly if outdoor temperatures are still unfavorable for delicate plants.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 Feb. 2026
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Additionally, eight in 10 Britons had an unfavorable opinion of the prince at that time.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Doris Roberts, the owner and principal designer at Doris Roberts Interiors, explains how excess moisture can be detrimental to carpeting, which absorbs it like a sponge.—
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
16 Feb. 2026
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But the pressure to upgrade skills and learn the difficult jumps on joints that are still growing can be detrimental for athletes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And some types of glyphosates may be more harmful than others.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
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In addition to its harmful systemic effects, consuming alcoholic beverages is linked with the loss of dietary restraint and overconsumption of calories.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inimical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inimical. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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