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
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Recent Examples of unfriendly
And Hungary is an unfriendly country.
—
Patrick Smith, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026
The regime advanced legislation to bar unfriendly countries from the waterway and require all vessels to pay a toll.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 3 Apr. 2026
And thanks to the missiles soaring over the Middle East, many long-distance flights now have longer routings, burning more fuel, as airlines try to avoid flying over some very unfriendly skies.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
When interviewing people that knew Lee and Elaine, our unnamed narrator comes across men complaining about Elaine always being drunk or Lee being unfriendly.
—Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Patrick Smith, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026
The regime advanced legislation to bar unfriendly countries from the waterway and require all vessels to pay a toll.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 3 Apr. 2026
And thanks to the missiles soaring over the Middle East, many long-distance flights now have longer routings, burning more fuel, as airlines try to avoid flying over some very unfriendly skies.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
When interviewing people that knew Lee and Elaine, our unnamed narrator comes across men complaining about Elaine always being drunk or Lee being unfriendly.
—Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
Adjective
-
Summer, for some, is the perfect excuse to sip icy dirty martinis on a city rooftop.—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
14 May 2026
-
There’s been a fierce debate over the past two decades about the status of the distant icy world of Pluto after it was contentiously stripped of its planethood and reclassified as a dwarf planet.—
Chas Newkey-Burden,
TheWeek,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Women, people of color, and first-generation professionals were too often told their accurate perceptions of hostile environments were merely internal distortions.—
Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
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Others, like Michael (Doon Mackichan), seem openly hostile.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
However, Chloe later admitted that, despite their best efforts, her parents’ divorce — and the rumors and publicity surrounding it — did have a negative effect on her.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
-
So none of the negative press circling around him manifested as a problem in your working relationship?—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
There’s the youngest, most freewheeling son’s habit of swilling cold coffee while watching The Gong Show.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Historically, extremely cold temperatures, near absolute zero, were used to put them in a quiet state, which required bulky and expensive systems.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
That was the frigid afternoon when Darrell Green returned a punt 52 yards for a touchdown, hurdling a would-be tackler on the play.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
In addition to frequent plumbing and electricity issues, the building didn't have heat for several months during the frigid Michigan winter, leaving families freezing during their kids’ games and practices.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
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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This could come as something of a shock to people who have been shivering under sweaters and blankets during an unusually chilly spring.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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Mixing textures on indoor-outdoor furniture and a rolling bar cart makes this porch suited for any time of the year, including those chilly autumn nights when living in the mountains is so magical.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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