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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inimical
For one, the United States would be in a stronger position to prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank, a move that is inimical to U.S. interests and Palestinian rights.
—
Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for inimical
Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for inimical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inimical
Adjective
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And Roosevelt explained in his summer radio addresses of 1941 that if the Germans win the war, the United States becomes an island within the world, with hostile empires dominating most of the world’s landmass.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
20 May 2026
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Steward filed a complaint with human resources on June 30, alleging a hostile work environment.—
Ben Wheeler
May 20,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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Post-Adverse Outcome Disclosure Obligations The replacement bill also creates disclosure obligations after an adverse outcome.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Prolonged stress can have adverse consequences, especially for pregnant mothers, children and critically ill patients.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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Robertson’s work is precisely about the negative space around authorship.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
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Asia-Pacific equities are in the red, led lower by Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi, while European futures are pointing to a negative open.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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Assess contract health to reduce your exposure to cost creep and unfavorable terms.—
David Pennino,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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For Healey, 39% of respondents had a favorable view of her as governor, compared to 45% who have an unfavorable view of her.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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However, pruning mistakes can be very detrimental, introducing shock or infection to an otherwise thriving shrub, tree, or flower.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
19 May 2026
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And then there is the part of the leverage exercise that so many times before has proven detrimental to the Heat — the waiting game.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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Prosecutors maintain the search was legal because it was conducted in conjunction with an arrest and officers were following Altoona police protocols that require them to check for dangerous items that could be harmful to them or the public.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
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Santos is charged with distributing food with a harmful substance, according to court records obtained by the Telegram & Gazette, part of the USA TODAY Network.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inimical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inimical. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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