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unfriendly

adjective

ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē How to pronounce unfriendly (audio)
Definition of unfriendlynext
1
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling the unfriendly looks quickly warmed when we were recognized as long-unseen relatives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will an unfriendly nation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in negative
opposed to one's interests the claim that the state's numerous regulations create a climate unfriendly to small businesses

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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 unfriendly But although nearly half the region’s population is under age 18, its cities are often unfriendly places to grow up – crowded, poorly planned, and unsafe. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026 It’s commonly seen as too loud, too expensive, too unhealthy, too environmentally unfriendly, and an unnecessary eyesore that requires a lot of red tape between landlords and city permits to procure. — Morgan Simon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Those looking to kick a ball around or do anything at all have been forced indoors thanks to an unfriendly yellow and orange haze that’s coated the skies. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 He is seen as anti-business — FTSE-100 chairs and chief executives privately express horror at the idea of him as chancellor — and as market-unfriendly because he is viewed as less committed than Reeves to fiscal discipline. — Ian King, CNBC, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
  1. icy
  2. hostile
  3. negative
  4. cold
  5. unfavorable
  6. frigid
  7. adverse
  8. chilly
Adjective
  • Mayor Karen Bass and billionaire developer Rick Caruso appeared together at a groundbreaking for the new Palisades Recreation Center on Tuesday, in a sign that the sometimes icy relationship between the two 2022 mayoral rivals is thawing.
    — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Indeed, the polar opposite of both Number One’s icy demeanor and Chapel’s long-suffering yearning, Majel is remembered by friends and colleagues as a boisterous, brassy, take-no-prisoners presence.
    — Scott Huver, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Worse, her estranged sister April (Naomi Watts), a drama queen, and hostile mother, Diane (Dianne Wiest), fly in from their Michigan hair salon to add to Sandra’s suffering.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • European authorities have linked Moscow to a rising number of drone incursions, sabotage incidents, cyberattacks, and other hostile acts across the continent in recent months.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • His colorful mermaid costume catches the eyes of Carmela’s gossipy friends, as well as negative attention from other boys.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • New polling by the Special Competitive Studies Project and Gallup finds that Americans are overwhelmingly negative on the economic impacts of AI.
    — Benjamin Guggenheim, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • Bronwyn’s mother, Muzzy, who was lambasted all of last season for being cold and arguably cruel to her daughter, is notably softer in her first scene back — though the bob is as cunty as ever.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • At Fuerte Guaicaipuro, a military facility, investigators documented detainees being confined in pit-like cells dug below ground level and subjected to cold, food deprivation and other degrading treatment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The Raiders caught Johnson in unfavorable mismatches a few times and exploited it.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Good opportunities should create attractive potential upside without placing the organization in a position where one unfavorable outcome becomes catastrophic.
    — Brian Ferdinand, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • For the first few days, they were held in a room crammed with up to 80 men, with just a handful of open toilets, in frigid conditions and with only a thin towel to sleep under, before being moved to two-person cells.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The frigid temperatures, ice, and snow will all wear down the components faster than if the unit is stored inside during the cold months.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • The ultimate distinction, Raji said, is whether an adverse finding produces consequences.
    — Barbara Booth, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than fight an injunction motion — and potentially be forced to appeal an adverse ruling — Paramount chose instead to concede the issue and concentrate its trial defense.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • This jacket is constructed from a heavyweight cotton, providing an extra layer that keeps you cozy on chilly fall days.
    — Jessie Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
  • This classic crewneck transitions effortlessly from day to night and is light enough to toss into your purse to keep on hand for chilly museum visits or cooler evenings.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of chilly

Browse Nearby Words

unfriendliness
unfriendly
unfrivolous
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Cite this Entry

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

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