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

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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 However, the winter weather can be unfriendly, which is where these Bushnell H2O 10x42 binoculars come in. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026 At the same time, even transgender activists are divided over supporting Democrats who have positions that are unfriendly to transgender people. — Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 And it has been noticed, in friendly and unfriendly quarters. — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 This tropical wave was rolling off Africa’s west coast early Monday, and forecasters said conditions in the otherwise unfriendly Atlantic might line up to give this one a shot at strengthening by the middle to end of the week. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 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
  • Tennis superstar Serena Williams just updated her look for winter, showing off an icy blond look as her color for the season.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Roads could remain icy through Sunday, so be mindful of driving conditions in the Sierra into early next week.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Defeat effectiveness exceeded approximately 75 to 80 percent, while operator observations indicated the system was even more effective at preventing hostile UAS from successfully completing their missions.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Yet another challenge came from the local community, which has historically been hostile to new development.
    — Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • The other was secured partly by a stake in a private equity management company, with a negative pledge on the owner’s team stake, meaning the owner agreed not to pledge it to anyone else.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Charlotte de Brabandt has undergone years of cancer treatment and multiple surgeries after she was diagnosed with a rare form of triple negative, stage 3, inflammatory breast cancer in 2022 at the age of 35.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • And without colder weather, where the temperatures drop and stay below zero, the result will likely be a smaller snowpack.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
  • How bad the flu season gets each year depends on factors such as the dominant flu strain, how well the annual vaccine matches it, how many people get vaccinated, tourism levels, and how much cold weather leads to more indoor gatherings.
    — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • But in a midterm environment broadly seen as unfavorable to Republicans, Democrats see a competitive opportunity to flip control of Congress amid growing economic discontent over rising gas and fertilizer costs in the agriculture-heavy state.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Falcons’ bout with the 49ers appeared unfavorable on paper.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • The flexible modules survived thermal shock cycles from frigid lows to extreme heat and passed the rigorous IEC 63163 international stability standard.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The frigid temperatures—while denied by Customs and Border Protection—show up consistently in detainee reports and in the reports of visiting officials or journalists.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Floodplain alterations cannot have adverse upstream or downstream effects, and earthen flood barriers, or any other interruption to the natural flow of flood water, is prohibited.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Studies have found oil wells can emit carcinogens and are linked to adverse health effects including respiratory issues, headaches, throat irritation and other problems.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, getting electrons to cooperate in this fashion requires specific materials operating under some pretty chilly conditions.
    — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
  • An upper-level trough moving through the Northeast Friday will reinforce the chilly, dry air mass already in place, while strong high pressure builds in from Canada.
    — Kate Bilo, CBS News, 22 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 2026.

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