inimical

adjective

i-ˈni-mi-kəl How to pronounce inimical (audio)
Definition of inimicalnext
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

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 inimical There are few things more inimical to self-reinvention than drinking yourself into the big zip-up bag at age 44. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026 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
  1. hostile
  2. adverse
  3. negative
  4. unfavorable
  5. detrimental
  6. harmful
Adjective
  • The recruits will be deployed in Malaysia and tested in the hostile jungle environment.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Ibiza is hostile to new club owners, and Ushuaïa faced the usual onslaught.
    — Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • These conditions can increase your vulnerability to adverse effects from poor air quality.
    — Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
  • Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • In contrast, Trump made at least 17 purchases of eight companies’ stock and then posted negative messages about the firms or their executives shortly afterward.
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • In this case, the vague nature of terms like DEI and CRT can have an even steeper negative impact on classrooms by creating uncertainty among faculty.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • As exciting as this match at the home of baseball’s New York Mets is likely to be, the players will be met with unfavorable weather conditions.
    — Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 15 July 2026
  • In April, Pew found that Republicans with a negative view of Israel ticked up since last year, with 57% of young Republicans having an unfavorable view of Israel compared with 50% a year ago.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 14 July 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • Dauvin warns that piling obligations onto streamers could be detrimental to the French film and television landscape.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 July 2026
  • Salted pasta water can be detrimental to soil and plant health, and even unsalted water can promote the growth of unwanted fungi.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
Definition of detrimental
Adjective
  • The as-yet-untitled series will follow the story of multiple families and campaigners including Ellen Roome, who believes that the tragic death of her beloved 14-year-old son Julian ‘Jools’ Sweeney could have been linked to harmful social media.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • And planting near any street could expose trees to harmful salt spray when roads are treated in the winter.
    — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
Definition of harmful

Browse Nearby Words

inhuming
inimical
inimitable
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Cite this Entry

“Inimical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inimical. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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