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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfriendly
Vienna is often listed in international rankings as an unfriendly city.
—
Dennis Braatz, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
But Heger said the irony is Ecuador is unfriendly toward Venezuelans.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Dennis Braatz, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
But Heger said the irony is Ecuador is unfriendly toward Venezuelans.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
Adjective
-
The actress’ hair was coiffed and pulled back with icy blond wisps to frame her face courtesy of hairstylist Rena Calhoun.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
-
That data is crucial to understanding and adapting to climate change and to a vast array of industries on land and at sea like aquaculture, shipping especially through icy waters, coastal tourism, agriculture and even navies, Le Traon said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Many Christians seek to keep a hostile world at bay by discouraging inquiry and critical thinking, by empowering theological enforcers, and by drawing narrow doctrinal boundaries.—
Peter Wehner,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
-
While some states would be hostile to public university athletes attempts to gain employment recognition, others might be more welcoming.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Courage California’s Kao said the negative ads may have reflected poorly on Steyer, whose favorability ratings were nearly 10 percentage points lower than Becerra’s in a final UC Berkeley poll in late May.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
-
The mother-in-law tends to be very negative, and is known to say unkind things about whoever isn’t present.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers the death penalty, cold cases and breaking news for USA TODAY.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Fleur and Caroline put innumerable noses out of joint on their paths to creative and intellectual fulfillment; lovers become dejected, friendships are left to go cold, and each woman’s devotion to her work is viewed with resentment and suspicion.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
Public opinion towards it has sharply worsened in the last year, with majorities in most countries polled having unfavorable views towards it, and confidence in Netanyahu has plummeted.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
8 June 2026
-
Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, 80% had a somewhat or very unfavorable view.—
Philip Wang,
Time,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
But getting in the lake's often-frigid waters is the definitive Tahoe experience.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Ötzi the Iceman, who died 5,300 years ago, is kept at a frigid 21 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
DeVries also feels that seniors should not hesitate to file police reports to document adverse incidents.—
Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2026
-
The drug is designed to rapidly block platelets from clumping and restricting blood flow, lessening the adverse outcomes of a heart attack.—
Justin Zacks,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The long hemline covers the lower back for most wearers, sealing out drafts on chilly planes.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
While their caps and gowns for the 1,160 seniors who were eligible to graduate kept out some of the chilly air, their family members in the stands were fired up with applause and cheers for students.—
Holly Andres,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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